Difference between revisions of "Get a Sick Note"
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#*For example, "Dear Mr. Smith, Please excuse Martha Cohen's absence from school for the past three days. My daughter had strep throat and needed to rest at home. Thank you. Mr. Nathan Cohen.” | #*For example, "Dear Mr. Smith, Please excuse Martha Cohen's absence from school for the past three days. My daughter had strep throat and needed to rest at home. Thank you. Mr. Nathan Cohen.” | ||
#*Your parent or guardian should then sign the letter and seal it in an envelope addressed to the teacher. | #*Your parent or guardian should then sign the letter and seal it in an envelope addressed to the teacher. | ||
| − | #*Your parent may also be able to call the school’s office or attendance hotline. Some schools give a window of several days to do so.<ref>http://www.wccusd.net/site/Default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=373&PageID=1450&ViewID=047e6be3-6d87-4130-8424-d8e4e9ed6c2a&FlexDataID=2138</ref> | + | #*Your parent may also be able to call the school’s office or attendance hotline. Some schools give a window of several days to do so.<ref name="rf1">http://www.wccusd.net/site/Default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=373&PageID=1450&ViewID=047e6be3-6d87-4130-8424-d8e4e9ed6c2a&FlexDataID=2138</ref> |
| − | #*Be aware that certain places do not accept parents’ notes for sick days.<ref>http://www.people.com/article/georgia-mom-arrested-shackled-sons-unexcused-absences</ref>Be sure that your school district recognizes them.</ref> | + | #*Be aware that certain places do not accept parents’ notes for sick days.<ref name="rf2">http://www.people.com/article/georgia-mom-arrested-shackled-sons-unexcused-absences</ref>Be sure that your school district recognizes them.</ref> |
#Get a letter from your doctor, alternately. In some school districts, or for extended absences, you will need to get more formal proof of your illness or medical treatment. Ask a doctor or other medical professional for a certified letter to present to the school. | #Get a letter from your doctor, alternately. In some school districts, or for extended absences, you will need to get more formal proof of your illness or medical treatment. Ask a doctor or other medical professional for a certified letter to present to the school. | ||
#*The letter should detail your illness and the duration of time you’ll be absent while you recover. | #*The letter should detail your illness and the duration of time you’ll be absent while you recover. | ||
#*Your doctor can also provide you with records of your surgery or any medications you took for the illness. These documents are then stamped with an official seal at the doctor's office and given to you. | #*Your doctor can also provide you with records of your surgery or any medications you took for the illness. These documents are then stamped with an official seal at the doctor's office and given to you. | ||
| − | #*Don’t expect to get the medical certificate for free. US doctors are starting to bill for them and a range of other, formerly free services.<ref>http://articles.latimes.com/2006/aug/28/health/he-nickeldime28</ref> | + | #*Don’t expect to get the medical certificate for free. US doctors are starting to bill for them and a range of other, formerly free services.<ref name="rf3">http://articles.latimes.com/2006/aug/28/health/he-nickeldime28</ref> |
#Include contact information. Your school might want to follow up with your parents or doctor to verify your absence. This just means that they wish to check that your absence is legitimate. | #Include contact information. Your school might want to follow up with your parents or doctor to verify your absence. This just means that they wish to check that your absence is legitimate. | ||
#*Ensure that your parents include leave a telephone number in the letter or with the attendance office, so that the school can call for verification. | #*Ensure that your parents include leave a telephone number in the letter or with the attendance office, so that the school can call for verification. | ||
| − | #*If you use a note, your guardians may have to give the doctor written permission to verify your condition. In the US, HIPAA laws prohibit doctors from sharing most medical info, even with schools.<ref>https://www.privacyrights.org/content/hipaa-privacy-rule-patients-rights#doctor-provide-medical-info-school</ref> | + | #*If you use a note, your guardians may have to give the doctor written permission to verify your condition. In the US, HIPAA laws prohibit doctors from sharing most medical info, even with schools.<ref name="rf4">https://www.privacyrights.org/content/hipaa-privacy-rule-patients-rights#doctor-provide-medical-info-school</ref> |
#Talk to your professor. If you’re in college, getting a sick note is a bit different. You’re probably a legal adult by now and don’t need a guardian’s permission to be absent from class. Professors and universities also have different policies on how to excuse absences. | #Talk to your professor. If you’re in college, getting a sick note is a bit different. You’re probably a legal adult by now and don’t need a guardian’s permission to be absent from class. Professors and universities also have different policies on how to excuse absences. | ||
#*Start with your professors. Many professors do not mind one or two missed classes and will want to accommodate you if possible. They will also let you know how you can make up missed assignments or if they will excuse you with proper documentation. | #*Start with your professors. Many professors do not mind one or two missed classes and will want to accommodate you if possible. They will also let you know how you can make up missed assignments or if they will excuse you with proper documentation. | ||
| − | #*Professors do not have to excuse absences, even if you have medical documentation and work through the college dean or registrar’s office. Make sure you know what each professor’s policies are.<ref> https://www13.shu.edu/offices/policies-procedures/upload/STUDENT-CLASS-ABSENCES-Student-FAQ.pdf</ref> | + | #*Professors do not have to excuse absences, even if you have medical documentation and work through the college dean or registrar’s office. Make sure you know what each professor’s policies are.<ref name="rf5"> https://www13.shu.edu/offices/policies-procedures/upload/STUDENT-CLASS-ABSENCES-Student-FAQ.pdf</ref> |
#Go to the college registrar. You’ll next want to talk to the college administration. At some schools you’ll need to go to the registrar, at others the Dean of Students. | #Go to the college registrar. You’ll next want to talk to the college administration. At some schools you’ll need to go to the registrar, at others the Dean of Students. | ||
#*Follow the instructions that the registrar gives you about how to get a sick note for your absences. | #*Follow the instructions that the registrar gives you about how to get a sick note for your absences. | ||
| − | #*Be prepared to go to the on-campus university health center for an assessment. Some schools only accept medical notes from university doctors.<ref> https://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/classroom-policies/index.html</ref> | + | #*Be prepared to go to the on-campus university health center for an assessment. Some schools only accept medical notes from university doctors.<ref name="rf6"> https://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/classroom-policies/index.html</ref> |
| − | #Enroll with your college’s disability services. Although your professor does not have to honor a sick note, she does have to give “reasonable accommodation” to students with disabilities and chronic issues. You may be able to register with your college’s disability office to help you cope with a serious medical condition.<ref>https://www.depts.ttu.edu/sds/studentresources/studentfaqs.php#p</ref> | + | #Enroll with your college’s disability services. Although your professor does not have to honor a sick note, she does have to give “reasonable accommodation” to students with disabilities and chronic issues. You may be able to register with your college’s disability office to help you cope with a serious medical condition.<ref name="rf7">https://www.depts.ttu.edu/sds/studentresources/studentfaqs.php#p</ref> |
#*Disability services will work with you to make it easier for you to perform in courses. This might include later deadlines, more time for tests, or peer note takers. | #*Disability services will work with you to make it easier for you to perform in courses. This might include later deadlines, more time for tests, or peer note takers. | ||
| − | #*You’ll need to talk to a medical professional and get supporting documentation – your note does not necessarily have to state a diagnosis. In many places, the school will only ask for verification and what your needs are.<ref> http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/01/12/york-university-student-wins-mental-health-fight.html</ref> | + | #*You’ll need to talk to a medical professional and get supporting documentation – your note does not necessarily have to state a diagnosis. In many places, the school will only ask for verification and what your needs are.<ref name="rf8"> http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/01/12/york-university-student-wins-mental-health-fight.html</ref> |
#*Once you are enrolled, you’ll be able to work with an adviser to determine a plan of action. | #*Once you are enrolled, you’ll be able to work with an adviser to determine a plan of action. | ||
| − | #*Some centers provide on-site testing for learning disabilities, as well.<ref> http://life.utoronto.ca/just-for-you/for-students-with-a-disability/</ref> | + | #*Some centers provide on-site testing for learning disabilities, as well.<ref name="rf9"> http://life.utoronto.ca/just-for-you/for-students-with-a-disability/</ref> |
===Excusing Absences from Work=== | ===Excusing Absences from Work=== | ||
| − | #Figure out the rules. How to get excused for sick days depends on where you work and live. In the UK, for example, employers can’t ask for proof of illness unless you’ve missed a week or more of work.<ref>http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1062.aspx?CategoryID=87</ref> In the US, things are more complicated. | + | #Figure out the rules. How to get excused for sick days depends on where you work and live. In the UK, for example, employers can’t ask for proof of illness unless you’ve missed a week or more of work.<ref name="rf10">http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1062.aspx?CategoryID=87</ref> In the US, things are more complicated. |
| − | #*US companies can ask for justification before giving you sick leave. Your boss is legally allowed to ask questions about your condition or to demand a doctor’s note, even if the illness is minor.<ref>http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2015/09/21/whats-your-boss-allowed-to-ask-when-you-call-in-sick</ref> | + | #*US companies can ask for justification before giving you sick leave. Your boss is legally allowed to ask questions about your condition or to demand a doctor’s note, even if the illness is minor.<ref name="rf11">http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2015/09/21/whats-your-boss-allowed-to-ask-when-you-call-in-sick</ref> |
#*However, companies CAN’T demand to know your diagnosis or other private medical information. | #*However, companies CAN’T demand to know your diagnosis or other private medical information. | ||
| − | #*The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers from obtaining medical info that is not strictly job-related. A doctor only needs to write that you were examined and need time off.<ref> http://www.jjkeller.com/wcsstore/CVCatalogAssetStore/samples/137M/Managing_34-35.pdf</ref> | + | #*The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers from obtaining medical info that is not strictly job-related. A doctor only needs to write that you were examined and need time off.<ref name="rf12"> http://www.jjkeller.com/wcsstore/CVCatalogAssetStore/samples/137M/Managing_34-35.pdf</ref> |
#*Ask around to see what your workplace requires. Companies may ask for proof in case of “suspicious” absences, like missing too many Mondays or Fridays, or they may simply have a blanket policy. | #*Ask around to see what your workplace requires. Companies may ask for proof in case of “suspicious” absences, like missing too many Mondays or Fridays, or they may simply have a blanket policy. | ||
#Schedule a doctor’s appointment. Your sick note will have to be signed or stamped by a doctor or medical professional. Most likely, you’ll have to schedule an appointment so that she can assess your condition and then certify your absence. | #Schedule a doctor’s appointment. Your sick note will have to be signed or stamped by a doctor or medical professional. Most likely, you’ll have to schedule an appointment so that she can assess your condition and then certify your absence. | ||
| − | #*Certain employers might ask for a doctor’s note for minor illnesses like the flu, food poisoning, or even the common cold. This is legal in some places.<ref>http://www.cbc.ca/news/trending/doctor-calls-medical-note-to-patient-s-employer-a-waste-of-time-1.3019373</ref> | + | #*Certain employers might ask for a doctor’s note for minor illnesses like the flu, food poisoning, or even the common cold. This is legal in some places.<ref name="rf13">http://www.cbc.ca/news/trending/doctor-calls-medical-note-to-patient-s-employer-a-waste-of-time-1.3019373</ref> |
#*For longer absences, the doctor may have to attest that you are not fit to work and specify when or how you can return to work. | #*For longer absences, the doctor may have to attest that you are not fit to work and specify when or how you can return to work. | ||
#*Some practices offer telephone consultations. If your doctor is booked up or you have a fairly minor illness, see whether she is willing to assess you over the phone. | #*Some practices offer telephone consultations. If your doctor is booked up or you have a fairly minor illness, see whether she is willing to assess you over the phone. | ||
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#* Keep in mind that documents like discharge summaries contain private, confidential data. You do not have to give this sort of detail to your employer. | #* Keep in mind that documents like discharge summaries contain private, confidential data. You do not have to give this sort of detail to your employer. | ||
#Follow any other workplace policies. You might have to give documentation or comply with additional policies, especially if your absence is long. Make sure that you do so. | #Follow any other workplace policies. You might have to give documentation or comply with additional policies, especially if your absence is long. Make sure that you do so. | ||
| − | #*Fill out a self-certification form, if needed. In the UK, your employer can ask you to fill one out for their records if you have missed less than a week of work.<ref>http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1062.aspx?CategoryID=68</ref> | + | #*Fill out a self-certification form, if needed. In the UK, your employer can ask you to fill one out for their records if you have missed less than a week of work.<ref name="rf14">http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1062.aspx?CategoryID=68</ref> |
| − | #*In Canada, your employer can request a formal medical certificate for extended sick leave within 15 days of your return to work.<ref>http://www.labour.gc.ca/eng/standards_equity/st/pubs_st/sick_leave.shtml</ref> | + | #*In Canada, your employer can request a formal medical certificate for extended sick leave within 15 days of your return to work.<ref name="rf15">http://www.labour.gc.ca/eng/standards_equity/st/pubs_st/sick_leave.shtml</ref> |
| − | #*Have a doctor fill out a “reasonable accommodation form” if you need special consideration after sick leave, when returning to work. This will inform your employer of your condition, any limits it places on you, and how you can perform your duties.<ref>http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/root/pdfs/parking/special_mobility.pdf</ref> | + | #*Have a doctor fill out a “reasonable accommodation form” if you need special consideration after sick leave, when returning to work. This will inform your employer of your condition, any limits it places on you, and how you can perform your duties.<ref name="rf16">http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/root/pdfs/parking/special_mobility.pdf</ref> |
===Getting Notes for Travel and Animals=== | ===Getting Notes for Travel and Animals=== | ||
#Talk to your doctor before cancelling a flight. Get in touch with a doctor as soon as you realize you are too sick to fly. With a note and proper documents, you may be able to get partial or full reimbursement for a missed trip. | #Talk to your doctor before cancelling a flight. Get in touch with a doctor as soon as you realize you are too sick to fly. With a note and proper documents, you may be able to get partial or full reimbursement for a missed trip. | ||
| − | #*Even if you have travel insurance, you can be denied repayment if you don’t see a doctor before cancelling.<ref> https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/travel/trip-cancellation/trip-cancellation-claim-denied.htm</ref> See your doctor, then cancel. | + | #*Even if you have travel insurance, you can be denied repayment if you don’t see a doctor before cancelling.<ref name="rf17"> https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/travel/trip-cancellation/trip-cancellation-claim-denied.htm</ref> See your doctor, then cancel. |
| − | #*The doctor's note should briefly explain your condition and state that you are not healthy enough to fly in a certain time period. The note should be on the doctor's official letterhead and signed.<ref>http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/today-in-travel/avoiding-cancellation-fees-with-doctor-note.html?id=14097566</ref> | + | #*The doctor's note should briefly explain your condition and state that you are not healthy enough to fly in a certain time period. The note should be on the doctor's official letterhead and signed.<ref name="rf18">http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/today-in-travel/avoiding-cancellation-fees-with-doctor-note.html?id=14097566</ref> |
| − | #Reach out to the airline. If you end up with the flu or a life- threatening condition and cannot make a scheduled flight, reach out to the airline. Ask them about their policy regarding sickness. Some airlines will require you to cancel 24 hours in advance of your flight and to sent them the signed doctor's note or a copy.<ref | + | #Reach out to the airline. If you end up with the flu or a life- threatening condition and cannot make a scheduled flight, reach out to the airline. Ask them about their policy regarding sickness. Some airlines will require you to cancel 24 hours in advance of your flight and to sent them the signed doctor's note or a copy.<ref name="rf18" /> |
#*Some airlines have set cancellation fees. You may be charged this fee when you cancel your flight and then refunded once you provide a doctor's note. | #*Some airlines have set cancellation fees. You may be charged this fee when you cancel your flight and then refunded once you provide a doctor's note. | ||
| − | #*Be ready to file a travel insurance claim. Travel insurance often covers cancellation because of illness. If you have a plan, submit the doctor’s note as well as your unused tickets, receipts, and other proofs of payment.<ref> http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/tips-and-advice/claims/filing-a-claim/</ref> | + | #*Be ready to file a travel insurance claim. Travel insurance often covers cancellation because of illness. If you have a plan, submit the doctor’s note as well as your unused tickets, receipts, and other proofs of payment.<ref name="rf19"> http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/tips-and-advice/claims/filing-a-claim/</ref> |
#Seek a doctor’s note for support animals. Some people rely on animals like dogs for daily help, to navigate or for other physical and emotional needs. If you use a support animal, you can qualify for special accommodations by getting a doctor’s note. | #Seek a doctor’s note for support animals. Some people rely on animals like dogs for daily help, to navigate or for other physical and emotional needs. If you use a support animal, you can qualify for special accommodations by getting a doctor’s note. | ||
| − | #*Landlords and airlines have to accommodate people with disabilities, for instance. By having a demonstrated need, you can bring your support animal with you on flights or into a normally pet-free building.<ref> http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/29/realestate/getting-a-dog-into-a-no-pet-building.html?_r=0</ref><ref> http://abcnews.go.com/Health/pet-owners-game-emotional-support-animal-system-fly/story?id=30064532</ref> | + | #*Landlords and airlines have to accommodate people with disabilities, for instance. By having a demonstrated need, you can bring your support animal with you on flights or into a normally pet-free building.<ref name="rf20"> http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/29/realestate/getting-a-dog-into-a-no-pet-building.html?_r=0</ref><ref name="rf21"> http://abcnews.go.com/Health/pet-owners-game-emotional-support-animal-system-fly/story?id=30064532</ref> |
| − | #*The law interprets disabilities widely. Chronic depression or pain, AIDS, autism, cancer, or heart disease can all qualify as disabilities. Some people keep support dogs for serious depression, for instance.<ref | + | #*The law interprets disabilities widely. Chronic depression or pain, AIDS, autism, cancer, or heart disease can all qualify as disabilities. Some people keep support dogs for serious depression, for instance.<ref name="rf20" /> |
#*Talk to your doctor about a note. It needs to be on letterhead and signed, and she must verify that you have a medical disability and need a support animal. | #*Talk to your doctor about a note. It needs to be on letterhead and signed, and she must verify that you have a medical disability and need a support animal. | ||
| − | #*Whether you reveal your diagnosis is your choice. Again, this is confidential information.<ref> http://servicedogcentral.org/content/node/304</ref> | + | #*Whether you reveal your diagnosis is your choice. Again, this is confidential information.<ref name="rf22"> http://servicedogcentral.org/content/node/304</ref> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
