Landmark Change to Sick Note Requirements
No one should have to choose between their health and their job.
Hon. Josie Osborne, Minister of Health
For over a year, the collective voices of BC Family Doctors, Doctors of BC and BC College of Family Physicians have advocated for change affecting family doctor capacity. Under the new employment standards regulations, employers cannot 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.
This change that will free up valuable time for family doctors, reduce unnecessary paperwork and allow for more focused patient care.
This decision marks meaningful progress and affirms the power of our collective advocacy. It strengthens our momentum as we continue to push for further reforms that support a more sustainable and efficient primary care system.
We thank the Province for listening to our concerns and taking decisive action. Together, we are building a health care system that works better for everyone.