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NBMS discourages employers from requiring sick notes during COVID-19 pandemic

“The New Brunswick Medical Society is discouraging private employers from requiring sick notes from their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians are seeing unnecessary visits from patients whose employers are demanding a sick note. Employees are also presenting at emergency departments. Sick notes place an unnecessary burden on the health-care system at a time where we all need to focus on addressing one of the most significant public health challenges of our time.

“We are asking employers to change their policies requiring sick notes of their employees to reduce the volume of patients seeking a physician’s time and medical expertise.”

Dr. Chris Goodyear
President, New Brunswick Medical Society