Are Online Sick Notes Legal in Alberta?

Yes. Online sick notes issued by CPSA-registered physicians are fully legal and accepted by Alberta employers under virtual care guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta.

CPSA Virtual Care Guidelines

The CPSA explicitly permits physicians to provide medical services via telehealth, including issuing medical documentation such as sick notes. The standard of care is identical whether the consultation occurs in-person, by phone, or online.

Legal Framework

Why Employers Must Accept Online Sick Notes

There is no legal basis for an Alberta employer to reject a sick note solely because it was issued through virtual care. The note carries the same legal weight as one from a walk-in clinic or family doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online sick notes legal in Alberta?

Yes. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) explicitly permits virtual care consultations. Sick notes issued by CPSA-registered physicians through telehealth are legally equivalent to those from in-person visits.

Do Alberta employers have to accept online sick notes?

Yes. Alberta employers must accept valid medical documentation from any licensed physician. There is no legal distinction between notes issued via virtual care vs in-person visits. The Employment Standards Code does not specify how the physician-patient interaction must occur.

What makes an online sick note valid in Alberta?

A valid sick note must be issued by a CPSA-registered physician, include the physician's name and registration number, state the dates of medical absence, and be signed. MedLetter notes meet all these requirements.

Can my employer verify my online sick note?

Employers can verify that the issuing physician is registered with CPSA (public registry at cpsa.ca). They cannot contact the physician for details about your condition without your written consent.

Is virtual care regulated in Alberta?

Yes. Virtual care in Alberta is regulated by the CPSA under the same standards as in-person care. Physicians providing virtual care must maintain the same standard of practice, documentation, and ethical obligations.

New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time.