Starting January 1, Quebec employers cannot require a doctor’s note for absences of three days or fewer, although other documentation may still be requested. For up to 10 days off to care for a family member, a medical certificate is also unnecessary. Human resources expert Annie Boilard emphasizes that while most employees take sick leave genuinely, organizations will need to adapt their policies in light of these changes, which are part of amendments to Bill 68 aimed at reducing administrative burdens.
Changes to Doctor’s Note Requirements in Quebec
Starting January 1, employers in Quebec will no longer be allowed to demand a doctor’s note for absences of three days or fewer. However, they may still request certain other documentation. Additionally, a medical certificate will not be necessary for employees taking up to 10 days off each year to care for a child or family member.
To clarify what types of documents may be required in the new year, a human resources expert outlines the necessary information you should be aware of.
What Documents Can Employers Request?
Your employer might simply seek proof of illness for you, a child, or a family member. According to Annie Boilard, a human resources expert and president of the Annie RH Network, examples of acceptable documentation could include a parking stub from a clinic or a pharmacy receipt for over-the-counter medication.
It’s important to note that a doctor’s note may still be requested if an employee is absent for four days or more.
Adapting Policies within Organizations
Annie Boilard believes that these changes should not be perceived negatively by employers. “Generally, employers are pleased because they trust their employees,” she stated. “Most people want to perform well in their roles.”
Boilard is confident that most employees only take sick leave when genuinely unwell. She shared a personal anecdote about the inconvenience of securing a doctor’s note while ill, emphasizing that the previous requirement was overly burdensome.
However, there may be concerns regarding a minority of employees who might exploit this system. “These are exceptions,” she noted, acknowledging that employers have lost a tool for managing work performance.
As a result, companies will need to adjust their internal policies accordingly. “Collective agreements will be updated to reflect this new reality,” Boilard added.
Legal Changes to Be Aware Of
The adjustments taking effect on January 1 are part of amendments to Bill 68, which aims to alleviate the administrative burden on healthcare providers. The prohibition on requiring a medical note applies not only to general illnesses but also in cases of organ donation, accidents, domestic violence, and sexual violence victims, as outlined by the Federation of General Practitioners of Quebec (FMOQ).
Moreover, the law limits certain rights of insurers, including the prohibition of requiring a doctor’s prescription for reimbursement of healthcare professional costs, imposing visit frequency mandates to maintain insurance benefits, and the necessity to use specific forms to gather medical information about insured individuals.
It’s also worth noting that students absent from school for five days or fewer will no longer need a doctor’s note, except during Ministry exam periods. “All of this will now be spared,” Boilard concluded.
For further insights, be sure to check out the full interview available in the video above.