Are Online Sick Notes Legal in Alberta?
Yes. Online sick notes are fully legal and valid in Alberta when issued by a physician registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Here's exactly why, and what makes an online sick note legally equivalent to one from a walk-in clinic.
The Legal Basis
The legality of online sick notes in Alberta rests on three pillars:
#### 1. CPSA Standards of Practice
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) regulates all medical practice in the province. Their Standards of Practice explicitly permit virtual care as a legitimate form of medical practice. A CPSA-registered physician can:
- Assess patients remotely
- Issue medical certificates and documentation
- Provide medical opinions based on patient-reported information
- Sign official medical documents electronically
There is no CPSA requirement that a physician must physically examine a patient to issue a sick note for a short-term absence.
#### 2. Alberta Employment Standards
Alberta's Employment Standards Code does not specify how a sick note must be obtained. The legislation requires only that the note:
- Comes from a qualified medical practitioner
- Confirms the employee was unable to work
- Covers the relevant dates
Whether the physician assessed the patient in person, via video call, or through an asynchronous form is irrelevant to the note's legal validity.
#### 3. Canadian Medical Association Position
The CMA has stated that virtual care, including asynchronous (non-real-time) assessments, is a valid form of medical practice when clinically appropriate. Simple documentation like sick notes for short-term absences is considered appropriate for virtual assessment.
What Makes a Sick Note Legally Valid in Alberta?
A sick note is legally valid when it contains:
| Required Element | Purpose |
|-----------------|---------|
| Physician's full name | Identifies the issuing doctor |
| CPSA registration number | Proves they're licensed in Alberta |
| Physician's signature | Authenticates the document |
| Patient's name | Identifies who the note is for |
| Date(s) of inability to work | Specifies the absence period |
| Statement of medical inability | Confirms the medical basis |
| Date of issuance | When the note was created |
| Clinic/practice information | Contact details for verification |
MedLetter sick notes contain all of these elements. They are printed on official letterhead with the physician's CPSA registration number, signature, and full contact information.
Can My Employer Reject an Online Sick Note?
No. An Alberta employer cannot legally reject a sick note solely because it was issued online or through a virtual care platform. The relevant question is whether the note was issued by a qualified medical practitioner - not whether the appointment was in-person.
If your employer rejects a valid CPSA-issued sick note, they may be:
- Violating their own sick leave policies
- Acting in bad faith
- Potentially discriminating (if the rejection disproportionately affects certain workers)
You can point your employer to the CPSA's virtual care standards if they question the legitimacy of an online sick note.
How MedLetter Ensures Legal Validity
Every MedLetter sick note is:
1. Reviewed by a CPSA-registered physician - not a nurse practitioner or AI
2. Issued on official medical letterhead - with practice name and contact info
3. Signed by the physician - with their CPSA registration number
4. Compliant with Alberta privacy law - contains only minimum necessary information
5. Verifiable - employers can confirm the physician's registration on the CPSA public register
What About the "No Video Call" Model?
Some people wonder: if there's online review, is it still a legitimate medical assessment?
Yes. The CPSA permits asynchronous virtual care where clinically appropriate. For a simple sick note covering a short-term absence (1-5 days), a detailed patient questionnaire provides sufficient clinical information for a physician to make a professional determination.
This is no different from a walk-in clinic doctor who spends 2 minutes with you, asks "what's wrong?", and writes a note. The clinical assessment for a short-term sick note is straightforward.
Comparison: Online vs In-Person Sick Notes
| Feature | Online (MedLetter) | Walk-In Clinic |
|---------|-------------------|----------------|
| Legally valid? | Yes | Yes |
| CPSA physician? | Yes | Yes |
| Official letterhead? | Yes | Yes |
| Physician signature? | Yes | Yes |
| Employer accepted? | Yes | Yes |
| Time required | 5 minutes | 2-4 hours |
| Cost | $49 | $20-$50 + time |
| Available 24/7? | Yes | No |
The Bottom Line
Online sick notes are:
- Legal under Alberta law
- Valid when issued by a CPSA-registered physician
- Accepted by all Alberta employers
- Equivalent to in-person sick notes in every legal respect
The only difference is convenience. You get the same legally valid document without spending half a day at a clinic.
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Related: [Calgary Sick Note](/sick-note/calgary) | [Edmonton Sick Note](/sick-note/edmonton) | [Banff Sick Note](/sick-note/banff) | [All Services](/services)
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Medically reviewed by a Licensed Alberta Physician, CPSA-Registered
Last reviewed: May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in Canada?
Yes. Licensed Canadian physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by employers across all provinces.
How much does an online sick note cost?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. No hidden fees, no clinic wait times.
Will my employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. All Canadian provincial medical colleges recognize virtual care. Online sick notes are legally equivalent to in-person notes.
How long does it take to get a sick note from MedLetter?
Most sick notes are delivered within 2-6 hours of submission. Same-day delivery is standard.