What Can You Ask For In A Medical Certificate?

Many employers have often had the experience of receiving a vague doctor's note from an employee that reads something along the lines of, "this individual is unable to work for X weeks". Employers are left wondering: Why? Can I be sure this is legitimate? Is the employee likely to return after X weeks? Will the employee need anything when she/he returns?

What information is an employer entitled to? How far can an employer push back on a vague note such as this?

Information to be Provided

Courts and tribunals have generally determined that the following is information that the employer is entitled to¹:

• general nature of the illness and how it manifests as a disability;
• prognosis and particularly whether the illness or injury is permanent or temporary;