Are Online Sick Notes Legal in Ontario? (2026 Guide)
The CPSO fully supports telemedicine-issued medical documentation. Here's the legal framework and why employers must accept online sick notes.
## Are Online Sick Notes Legal in Ontario?
**Yes, absolutely.** Online sick notes issued by CPSO-registered physicians are fully legal and carry the same weight as notes issued during in-person visits.
### The CPSO Position on Telemedicine
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) has clear policies supporting virtual care:
- Virtual consultations are considered equivalent to in-person visits
- Physicians can issue medical documentation based on virtual assessments
- The standard of care applies equally to virtual and in-person encounters
- Physicians must use their clinical judgment regardless of the medium
### Why Online Sick Notes Are Legally Valid
1. **Same licensing requirements** — The issuing physician must be registered with the CPSO
2. **Same clinical standards** — The physician must conduct an appropriate assessment
3. **Same documentation standards** — The note must include the physician's name, license number, date, and relevant information
4. **Same legal weight** — Courts and tribunals treat virtual medical documentation identically
### Can My Employer Refuse an Online Sick Note?
**No.** An employer cannot refuse a legitimate sick note solely because it was issued via telemedicine. This would be:
- Contrary to CPSO policies
- Potentially discriminatory (limiting access to healthcare)
- Against the spirit of Ontario's ESA
If an employer refuses your online sick note:
1. Point them to CPSO telemedicine policies
2. File a complaint with the Ontario Ministry of Labour
3. Contact the HRTO if discrimination is involved
### How MedLetter's Online Sick Notes Work
1. Complete a 5-minute health questionnaire
2. A CPSO-registered physician reviews your information
3. If appropriate, your sick note is issued and delivered within 6 hours via email
4. The note includes the physician's full credentials and CPSO registration
**[Get your legal, physician-reviewed sick note →](/get-started/sick_note)**