Can a Pharmacist Give You a Sick Note in BC? (2026)
BC pharmacists have expanded powers in 2026, but can they give you a sick note? Here's the current situation.
## Can a Pharmacist Give You a Sick Note in BC?
BC pharmacists have significantly expanded their scope of practice in recent years. But can they issue sick notes?
### The Short Answer: Generally No
While BC pharmacists can now:
- Prescribe for minor ailments (UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, etc.)
- Administer vaccines
- Renew prescriptions
- Order lab tests
They **cannot** typically issue formal sick notes for employers. Sick notes require a physician's assessment of your inability to work.
### Why Employers May Not Accept Pharmacist Notes
- Most employer policies specify "physician" or "medical doctor"
- The College of Physicians and Surgeons sets standards for medical certificates
- Pharmacists assess for specific conditions, not general fitness for work
### When a Pharmacist Visit Might Be Enough
Some situations where a pharmacist can help:
- Your employer accepts a "note of visit" (not a formal sick note)
- You need documentation that you sought treatment
- You have a minor ailment that the pharmacist can treat and document
### The Better Option: Online Physician Sick Notes
For a proper sick note that all employers will accept, you need a physician. MedLetter connects you with CPSBC-registered physicians who can provide same-day documentation — faster than most walk-in clinics.
**Get a physician-issued sick note — [Start here](/get-started/sick_note)**