The B.C. government says it’s taking a burden off health-care providers by limiting when employers can demand a sick note for absences from work.
Effective immediately, the province says employers can no longer ask for a sick note for a worker’s first two health-related, short-term absences of five consecutive days or fewer in a calendar year.
The change fulfills a promise Premier David Eby made during last year’s provincial election campaign, describing the notes as a “tedious and outdated” process that takes up doctors’ time.
B.C. College of Family Physicians President Dr. Katherine Bell says doctors spend hours on “unnecessary” administrative tasks every day.
Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside says it also reduces the burden on the person suffering from an illness.
“When you’re sick with the flu, or your child comes down with a cold, the last thing you should have to do is go to your doctor or a medical clinic to get a piece of paper saying you’re sick,” said Whiteside in a media release.
“These new rules ensure that when people are unwell, they can stay home to recover and help prevent the spread of illness without the added stress of getting a sick note,” said Health Minister Josie Osborne.
Stephen von Sychowski, president of the Vancouver and District Labour Council tells 1130 NewsRadio that the change will also remove an unfortunate dynamic between employer and employee.
“People should have the benefit of the doubt,” said von Sychowski, explaining that employers shouldn’t start with the assumption that workers are abusing sick days.
“I think we should assume that folks are utilizing those benefits and those entitlements as and when they’re truly needed.”
Von Sychowski says the COVID-19 pandemic has likely changed perspectives on the importance of care over systems that “facilitate the spread” of illness.
“Removing unnecessary trips to the doctor is one way of doing that. And making sure the folks can get well, and get back to work, and stay home while they’re sick.”