Sick of sick notes: Updated 2025 sick note template

We know that unnecessary paperwork is one of the biggest frustrations for family doctors. In our member survey, you identified administrative burdens—especially sick notes—as a major concern. Sick notes take time, offer little clinical value, and require you to assess a patient’s ability to work without sufficient information. This is particularly frustrating for short absences where sick note requests are often unnecessary.

That’s why we’ve been actively advocating for change. We’re calling on the provincial government to introduce legislation that limits when employers can require sick notes. We continue to push for policies that reduce administrative burdens and let family doctors focus on patients, not paperwork.

While we work toward long-term solutions, we’ve partnered with the BC College of Family Physicians to update our sick note template for employers. This resource is designed to streamline the process and minimize your workload.

Download the updated 2025 sick note template here.

We’ll keep you updated on our advocacy efforts—because your time is better spent on patient care, not paperwork.