Guidance issued for healthcare professionals who can now issue fit notes

The Government has produced guidance for nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists, and their employers, who from 1 July 2022 can issue individuals with fit notes. 

A fit note, previously known as a sick note, details if an individual is fit for work or not; the period of time for which they are being signed off as unfit for work; and allows the healthcare professional to note any adjustments which, if made, may support the individual to return to work. 

Before 1 July 2022 only a person’s GP could issue a fit note. The guidance notes “Individuals should consider their scope of practice and ensure they have the relevant skills, knowledge and experience before undertaking health and work conversations and making decisions around certifying fit notes“.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see the extent to which employees start to obtain fit notes from these other healthcare professionals. 

A fit note and the information it provides is often a key piece of information available to an employer when managing a person’s absence. We have a depth of experience in advising employers on managing a person’s sickness absence, including where the employee may have a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This can be a tricky area and one we would be pleased to guide you through.