Tool Box
Issue No. 40 - April/ /
\‘Sickie\‘s paperwork: what\‘s required
by Mr Shayne Bakewell
Changes to the Workplace Relations Act 1996, enacted in 2006-07, enable 300,000 allied health providers to issue medical certificates for the purposes of proof in respect to paid Personal Leave (sick and carer’s).
Recent TV programs have profiled the practice of chemists or pharmacists issuing certificates, which has led to enquiries from our clients about their obligation to accept them.
Demand for Proof
Employers are increasingly demanding employees provide sick certificates to substantiate any absence from work due to private illness or injury.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 1 in 60 visits to the doctor were to obtain a sick certificate.
The legislative changes enacted in 2006-07, may have been an attempt to relieve pressure on a health system that is already overworked.
Some employees have complained they often cannot get an appointment to see the doctor to obtain a medical certificate. This situation is worse in rural or remote workplaces.
Providers - Who can Certify?
Registered Health Practitioners who may provide medical certificates now include osteopaths, chiropractors, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, chemists, optometrists, optical dispensers, podiatrists, pharmacists and others.
Pharmacists
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia have provided guidelines for issuing certificates under the Workplace Relations Act 1996.
