Some B.C. doctors want to put an end to sick notes
Family doctors frustrated by writing sick notes have created this template for patients to give to their employers, it explains. Sick notes put an unnecessary burden on doctors who are experiencing heavy workloads and burnout as a primary care crisis rages on. Our response, in combination with ABC College of Family Physicians, was to create this template that family physicians could share with their patients to give to their employers to send the message that sick notes are unnecessary. Ali says because the provision of sick notes isn’t covered by insurance, patients often have to payout of pockets. The typical cost around $50. Now you’re expecting a person who feels under the weather, the last thing they want to do is possibly get on a bus or get into their vehicle or ask someone for a ride to go to the doctor’s office, get assessed A sentiment shared by British Columbians. We shouldn’t need that if that’s already something that’s been allotted per our benefits. And our, you know, rights as workers if we are employed. So sick notes, I don’t really think that should be a thing. Do you have a doctor that you could go to if you have to get a note? No, not now. For now, I’m just go walking. Yeah, I have no many choice. I think as of 2023, employers in Nova Scotia can only request a note if the absence is longer than five days. And new legislation in Ontario will force employers to scrap sick notes for the three days of provincially mandated annual sick leave. Says BC needs to follow suit. But ironically enough, the government of British Columbia has a particular sick note that they expect for all their employees. That is one of the most kind of onerous to fill out. And so it seems kind of ironic that our own government is one of the employers who asks us to fill out extra paperwork for sick notes. The BC Ministry of Labor said while employers are able to request doctors notes, they should be thoughtful about when they’re required. It did not respond to questions about whether it is considering legislation. Michelle Gomez, CBC News, Vancouver.