BC Sick Note Template: What a Valid Doctor's Note Must Include
What does a valid BC sick note look like? Here's exactly what must be included and what your employer cannot require.
## What Must a Valid BC Sick Note Include?
A legally valid sick note in British Columbia must contain:
### Required Elements:
1. **Physician identification** — Name and CPSBC registration number
2. **Date of assessment** — When the physician reviewed your case
3. **Patient name** — Your full name
4. **Statement of incapacity** — Confirmation you were unable to work
5. **Duration** — Dates of recommended absence
6. **Physician signature** — Electronic or handwritten
7. **Verification method** — How employer can confirm authenticity
### What Employers CANNOT Require:
- Your specific diagnosis
- Details of symptoms or condition
- Medication or treatment information
- Prognosis or recovery timeline
- Mental health specifics
## BC Privacy Law and Sick Notes
Under BC's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA):
- Medical information is highly protected
- Employers can only collect information "reasonably necessary"
- A diagnosis is NOT reasonably necessary for sick leave
- Employers must protect any medical information they receive
## How to Verify a MedLetter Sick Note
Every MedLetter note includes a unique Letter ID. Employers verify at medletter.ca/verify:
- Enter Letter ID, patient initials, and date of issue
- Receive: Valid/Invalid status, issuing clinic, date issued
- NO medical details are revealed
## Get a Properly Formatted BC Sick Note
MedLetter sick notes meet all BC legal requirements and are accepted province-wide.
**$49 | CPSBC-registered physician | Verifiable | Within 6 hours**