The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is battling for the end of mandatory sick notes for short-term illnesses in workplaces and schools. They claim that requiring notes for minor health issues places unnecessary pressure on Canada’s healthcare system, which is a problem due to not having enough family doctors. According to the CMA, removing the need for these notes could help reduce up to 12.5 million “unnecessary” healthcare visits each year.
CMA president Dr. Joss Reimer referred to sick notes as largely “a human resources issue”, Emphasizing that in a time when “6.5 million Canadians don’t have access to a family doctor,” it’s critical for doctors to focus on patients in genuine need of medical care, as reported by CTV News.
A recent survey by Abacus Data found that about one in three working Canadians had to hand in a sick note for a short absence in the past year. The survey also showed that most Canadians, 72 percent, support rules limiting the need for sick notes. To solve this, the CMA suggests looking into other options like self-declarations or more flexible leave policies.
Ontario has already taken a step in this direction, with Bill 190 allowing workers up to three days of sick leave without a medical note. CTV News noted that, while employers in Ontario may still request “reasonable” evidence, this policy aims to limit unnecessary paperwork and administrative strain.
Original Article: https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/why-a-group-of-canadian-doctors-says-workplace-sick-notes-need-to-go-1.7087329
by Christl Dabu
