British Columbia will eliminate the requirement for workers to obtain sick notes for short-term absences, freeing up healthcare providers to spend more time with patients who need medical attention.
Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside introduced Bill 11 to amend the Employment Standards Act, clarifying when employers can request documentation from ill employees.
“When you’re sick, the last thing you should have to do is go to your doctor or a medical clinic in order to get a piece of paper saying you’re sick,” said Whiteside. “Not only is that difficult for a sick person to do, but it doesn’t help you get better any faster or prevent the spread of illness.”
The current act permits employers to request “reasonably sufficient proof” of illness. The amendment specifies that employers cannot demand, and employees aren’t required to provide, sick notes from physicians, nurse practitioners or registered nurses for short-term absences.
Health Minister Josie Osborne said the change addresses concerns raised by medical professionals.
“We’ve heard clearly from doctors around the province that unnecessary paperwork robs them of valuable time to see their patients,” said Osborne. “Eliminating sick notes for short-term absences is just one of the actions we are taking to cut administrative burden.”
Regulations coming before fall 2025
Following consultation with stakeholders, the government will establish regulations defining what constitutes a “short-term absence” and how frequently employees may be absent before employers can request formal documentation.
The regulations, expected to be implemented before respiratory illness season in fall 2025, will initially focus on notes from doctors and nurse practitioners, with potential consideration for other health professionals later.
Reducing administrative burden
The initiative is part of broader efforts to streamline healthcare administration, which includes replacing fax and paper-based processes with digital systems and improving information-sharing between providers.
A partnership with Doctors of BC and Health Quality BC is also implementing changes to medical imaging appointment scheduling, which could save more than 180,000 physician hours annually.
Healthcare providers welcome change
Dr. Tracy Tresoor from Ross Bay Health Clinic supports the amendment, calling it “a small but meaningful change.”
“Providing sick notes are one of many administrative burdens that family physicians face. More importantly, they highlight a disparity in access for people who do not have a primary care provider,” said Tresoor.
Jane Narayan, a family nurse practitioner at Axis Primary Care Clinic, agrees with the decision.
“Too often, clinical appointments are booked solely for the purpose of obtaining a sick note. Removing this requirement will reduce unnecessary strain on our health-care system and allow clinicians to focus on delivering timely, meaningful care,” said Narayan.
According to the Canadian Medical Association, B.C. doctors wrote approximately 1.6 million sick notes in 2024, with physicians across Canada spending between 10 and 19 hours weekly on paperwork.
