For more than a decade, Doctors of BC has publicly advocated for the elimination of routine sick notes so that doctors can focus more on patient care and less on administrative burdens. Additionally, requiring sick notes places an unnecessary strain on the health care system.
After introducing legislation to prohibit employers from requiring sick notes for short-term absences from work, the BC government is engaging with physician groups and other health partners regarding proposed amendments to the Employment Standards Act.
Doctors of BC is now seeking member input on this important policy change through our Have Your Say online platform until June 6, 2025. The feedback we receive will help inform our submission to government and influence the development of regulations that will outline the specifics of the sick note restriction.
The proposed restriction would apply only to sick notes, not to medical certificates or reports required for long-term absences, to support medical accommodations, or to certify that an injured worker is medically fit to return to work.
Learn more about Doctors of BC’s advocacy work on this topic in our policy resolution, or contact policystrategyandlegal@doctorsofbc.ca if you have any questions.
