Sick Notes On Their Way Out For Short-Term Absences

The BC Government is making changes to the Employment Standards Act that will eliminate the need for workers to get sick notes for short-term absences from work.

Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour, has introduced a bill that will clarify when it is appropriate for employers to request a sick note from workers.

“When you’re sick, the last thing you should have to do is go to your doctor or a medical clinic in order to get a piece of paper saying you’re sick,” Whiteside said.

“Not only is that difficult for a sick person to do, but it doesn’t help you get better any faster or prevent the spread of illness.”

Currently, the act allows employers to request “reasonably sufficient proof” that an employee is sick.

The changes to the act will clarify employers cannot request, and employees are not required to provide, a sick note written by a physician, nurse practitioner or registered nurse as evidence that the employee’s short-term absence from work was related to illness or injury.

The plan also cuts back on administrative work for health-care practitioners, leaving them more time to spend with patients.

Regulations will set out how many days is considered a short-term absence, and how often an employee may be absent before their employer can request a formal sick note.

The Province says the regulation will be implemented prior to the respiratory illness season in fall 2025.

For more information, visit Government of British Columbia.