Employees can no longer ask for sicks notes, unless their employee is absent for more than five working days or has already had two absences of five or less days in the last year.
The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour says this is good, but not good enough. They say the province should take things one step further and have employers pay for the notes if they are the ones who require them.
“In our view, employers hold a fundamental duty to establish a supportive and healthy work environment, including effectively managing employee absences due to illness or injury. By relieving workers of the financial burden of obtaining sick notes, we foster a culture of workplace wellness and encourage employees to prioritize rest and seek appropriate medical attention when necessary which benefits workers and the overall productivity and well-being of the workforce,” said Danny Cavanagh, President of the NSFL.
Cavanagh said the financial burden of having to pay for a sick note may discourage employees from getting one and they may instead, go into work sick.
Sick notes cost on average $10 to $20.
The notes can be written by any regulated healthcare provider who is providing care, such as such as nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists or social workers.
“Our healthcare professionals should spend their valuable time providing care, not doing paperwork,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “By reducing unnecessary administrative tasks like writing sick notes, we free up time for doctors and other healthcare providers to help more Nova Scotians get the healthcare they need, faster.”
It is estimated doctors spend around 50 thousand hours a year writing sick notes, so this should lessen the load.
The labour standards division of the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration has the right to investigate and address complaints made in relation to requests for sick notes. Nova Scotians can contact the division at 1-888-315-0110 or labourstandards@novascotia.ca for more information or to report concerns.
Quick Facts:
— changes to the rules around sick notes are in the Medical Certificates for Employee Absences Act, which the legislature passed in the spring as part of the Patient Access to Care Act
— prior to this legislation taking effect, employers could request a sick note regardless of the length of an employees’ absence due to illness or injury
— the Patient Access to Care Act also includes administrative rules to make it easier for licensed healthcare providers from other jurisdictions to work in Nova Scotia
— and, the act amended the Workers’ Compensation Act to allow the government to prescribe Workers Compensation Board forms and documents to improve the process for Nova Scotians and doctors
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