Be sure that the note written by your parent or guardian has the date of your illness. It should also address the teacher and have a brief explanation of why you are absent. 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 may also be able to call the school’s office or attendance hotline. Some schools give a window of several days to do so. [1] X Research source Be aware that certain places do not accept parents’ notes for sick days. [2] X Research source Be sure that your school district recognizes them.
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. 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. [3] X Research source
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.
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. [4] X Research source
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. [5] X Research source
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. [7] X Research source 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.
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. [9] X Research source 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. 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.
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. [10] X Research source 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.
You may be treated by a professional who is not a medical doctor but a nurse, physiotherapist, or a mental health therapist. You might be able to ask them for a letter or a copy of your hospital discharge summary as proof. 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.
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. [11] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source In Canada, your employer can request a formal medical certificate for extended sick leave within 15 days of your return to work. [12] X Research source 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. If you suffer from any chronic illness that might affect your day to day, it’s a good idea to be straightforward and disclose the details of your condition on a need-to-know basis; your employer only needs to know how your illness may affect your work performance. Writing out a concise, prepared statement prior to meeting with them may help avoid the oversharing. Also, be sure to explicitly state your needs and discuss accommodations when meeting with them.
Even if you have travel insurance, you can be denied repayment if you don’t see a doctor before cancelling. [13] X Research source 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. [14] X Research source
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. [16] X Research source
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. [17] X Research source [18] X Research source 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. [19] X Research source 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.
