Doctor's Note for Work Absence | Word & Excel Templates

When an employee has an illness, injury or health problem, a doctor’s note is required if there is a need to be absent from the workplace. A doctor’s note is a document that contains the clarification and proof of an employee being unwell. It shows that the employee has visited the doctor and certified an appointment. Doctor’s notes are used by employees, students, parents and healthcare providers.

Many corporations are strict about their employees’ absences from work, but the policy regarding the doctor’s note regarding a health condition varies from company to company. If the employee is to miss multiple days, an official note will most likely be required. An employee may also require a doctor’s note to show physical fitness, travel fitness, or participation in physical sports activities.

U.S. law certainly protects sick and injured employees; if an employee presents the HR department or the Employer with the doctor’s note along with the required documents, the Employer cannot take serious action against him/her. The employee will also enjoy all the benefits presented under the FMLA and the Family and Medical Leave Act if a doctor’s note has been submitted and absence from work is required.

The doctor is not required to disclose the specific reason for the illness when writing the note, but if treatment is needed, the schedule and dates should be mentioned in the note.

Uses of Doctor’s Notes

A Doctor’s note can be used on various occasions, such as:

Workplace Absence: If an employee wants to take a certain amount of time off from the workplace, in case of a health matter, a doctor’s note must be submitted to HR or the required authorities.
Travel: Sometimes, travellers must show evidence that they can travel to a particular destination.
Sports Fitness Verification: Many times, schools and clubs require players to present a doctor’s note to pass the physical exam and show their competence to participate in sports.
Employment Fitness Verification: Often, companies require employees to pass a physical exam so they can get a doctor’s ‘Fit to work’ note before hiring them.
Accommodation due to Disability: A doctor’s note can also be used when disabled employees need special accommodations. Sometimes, the disabilities are not evident, and a doctor’s note is required, for example, any heart condition, etc.

Format

The format of a doctor’s note is as follows:

Title: What is the note regarding?

Doctor’s/Clinic’s Information: Name, Title, Address, Contact number, Email.

Date.

Patient Information: Name, Gender, Age, Date of Birth, Address, etc.

Specify the reason for being absent, such as illness, injury or any other health condition.

Time: Specify the duration the employee will be absent from work.

Do not go into too many details about the reason for being absent. Keep it brief and to the point.

Complimentary Closing: Regards, Sincerely, Respectfully.

Signature.

Sample Notes

Doctor’s Excuse Note for Work

XYZ Healthcare Center
Richmond, Virginia
333-244343555
[website]

Name: Anthony Marks

Gender: Male
Age: 34

Date: 12^th April, 20XX

I would like Mr Anthony Marks to be excused from work for one week, from 13th April 20XX to 20th April 20XX. It has been concluded that he has an arm injury, and I am prescribing him complete bed rest for seven days.

Sincerely,

Dr. A.C. Beth

[Signature]

File: Word (.docx) 2007+ and iPad Size 21 Kb | Download

Authorization of Work Absence

XYZ Clinic
A.B. Beth
Los Angeles, California
222-244343555
[website]

Name: William Smithson

Gender: Male
Age: 39

Date: 12^th April, 20XX

This is to certify that Mr. William Smithson was under Dr. A. C. Beth’s care on 11th April 20XX. He will not be able to return to work on 12^th April 20XX.

Doctor’s Comments:

Mr Smithson is in a state of shock due to the accident, and he is advised to take some time off work to recover fully.