CMA calls for elimination of workplace sick notes to create more health care capacity
Summary
Three-quarters of Canadians support legislation to curb sick notes for short-term minor illnesses that do not require medical intervention: survey OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 28, 2024 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is calling for the elimination of sick notes for short-term minor illnesses, which could prevent as many as 12.5 million unnecessary health-care interactions in a single year. A new survey conducted by Abacus Data on behalf of the CMA shows that approximately one-third of working Canadians were asked by their employers to produce a sick note for a short-term absence at least once in the last year. In a new position paper, the CMA recommends legislative changes to restrict the requirement for sick notes and promote alternatives such as self-certification and flexible leave policies. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of Canadians indicated their support for legislation to restrict requests for sick notes for short-term leave. Our ambition is a sustainable, accessible health system where patients are partners, a culture of medicine that elevates equity, diversity and wellbeing, and supportive communities where everyone has the chance to be healthy.