Medical certificates are a common requirement for employers in Australia. They can be used to verify an employee’s illness or injury and to ensure that the employee is fit to work. Medical certificates can also be used to support an employee’s application for paid sick leave or carer’s leave.
Why are medical certificates important?
Medical certificates are an important tool for both employers and employees. Employers can use medical certificates to verify an employee’s illness or injury and to make informed decisions about the employee’s absence and potential return to work. If the employee is suffering from a long-term illness, the employer may request that the employee undergoes a full medical review.
On the other hand, employees can use medical certificates to protect their rights and entitlements in the workplace.
When can an employer request a medical certificate?
An employer can ask an employee to give evidence that shows the employee took the leave because they:
Weren’t able to work because of an illness or injury, or
Needed to provide care or support to an immediate family or household member (because of an illness, injury, or unexpected emergency affecting the member).
Employers can ask employees to provide evidence for as little as 1 day or less off work.
An employee who doesn't give their employer evidence when asked may not be entitled to be paid for their sick or carer’s leave.
An award or registered agreement can specify when an employee has to give evidence to their employer and what type of evidence they have to give. The type of evidence requested must always be reasonable in the circumstances.
What information should a medical certificate contain?
A medical certificate must contain the following information:
The employee’s name and date of birth
The date the certificate was issued
The name of the medical professional who issued the certificate
The medical professional’s signature
A statement that the employee is unfit to work due to illness or injury
The dates for which the employee is unfit to work
Employers should not expect to see a diagnosis on the medical certificate. This is because the employee has a right to confidentiality. However, if the employee consents, the medical professional can provide more information about the employee’s illness or injury to the employer.
How do employees get a carer’s certificate?
To obtain a carer certificate, the employee will need to see the unwell or injured family member’s medical professional and ask for a certificate stating that they need to take carer’s leave. The medical professional will typically ask the employee to provide information about the family member they are caring for and the reason for the care.
Are online medical certificates legal in Australia?
Yes, online medical certificates are legal in Australia. Online medical certificate services are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, as they offer a convenient and affordable way for employees to obtain medical certificates.
What are the benefits of using an online medical certificate service?
There are several benefits for employees who use an online medical certificate service, including:
Convenience: Online medical certificate services can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Speed: Online medical certificates are typically issued within minutes of completing the online consultation.
Affordability: Online medical certificate services are generally more affordable than seeing a doctor in person to obtain a medical certificate.
How do employees use an online medical certificate service?
To use an online medical certificate service, the employee simply needs to visit the website of the service and complete an online consultation. The consultation will typically involve answering a few questions about the illness or injury. Once the consultation is complete, the medical professional will review the information and issue a medical certificate if they believe the employee is unfit to work.
How can Peninsula help?
Peninsula can help small business owners with information on managing staff absenteeism, leave entitlements, and sick leave. For peace of mind, call our Advice Line now on 1300 651 415.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if an employee can’t provide a medical certificate?
Medical certificates or statutory declarations are examples of acceptable forms of evidence. While there are no strict rules on what type of evidence needs to be given, the evidence has to convince a reasonable person that the employee was genuinely entitled to the sick or carer’s leave, as per the Fair Work Act.
An employee who doesn't give their employer evidence when asked may not be entitled to be paid for their sick or carer’s leave.
How can you get a medical certificate?
They are generally issued by doctors or pharmacists; they can also be attained online or through a telehealth appointment.
