Ontario Sick Note Template: What a Valid Doctor's Note Looks Like
Not all sick notes are created equal. Here's exactly what a valid Ontario sick note must contain — and what it should never include.
## What Must a Valid Ontario Sick Note Include?
A legally valid sick note in Ontario must contain these elements:
### Required Elements:
1. **Physician identification** — Full name, CPSO registration number
2. **Date of assessment** — When the physician reviewed your case
3. **Patient identification** — Your name
4. **Statement of incapacity** — Confirmation you are/were unable to work
5. **Duration** — Start and end dates of recommended absence
6. **Physician signature** — Handwritten or electronic signature
7. **Contact information** — Clinic/practice phone number for verification
### Optional Elements (employer may request):
- Functional limitations (what you can/cannot do)
- Return-to-work date
- Modified duties recommendations
- Follow-up requirements
### Elements That Should NEVER Be Included:
- Specific diagnosis
- Symptoms or medical history
- Medications prescribed
- Test results
- Treatment plans
- Mental health details
## Can My Employer Reject My Sick Note?
An employer can only reject a sick note if it:
- Is missing required elements (no physician signature, no dates)
- Appears fraudulent
- Doesn't come from a licensed physician
- Doesn't cover the dates of absence
An employer CANNOT reject a note because:
- It was issued virtually/online
- It doesn't include a diagnosis
- It's from a physician they don't recognize
- It's "too generic"
## How to Verify a MedLetter Sick Note
Every MedLetter sick note includes a unique Letter ID. Employers can verify authenticity at medletter.ca/verify by entering:
- Letter ID
- Patient initials
- Date of issue
This returns confirmation of validity without revealing any medical information.
## Sample Sick Note Format
A properly formatted Ontario sick note reads similar to:
---
*[Physician Name, MD]*
*CPSO Registration: [Number]*
*[Date]*
*To Whom It May Concern,*
*This letter confirms that [Patient Name] was assessed on [Date] and is unable to attend work/school from [Start Date] to [End Date] due to a medical condition.*
*[Physician Signature]*
*Letter ID: ML-XXXXX-2026*
*To verify: medletter.ca/verify*
---
## Get a Properly Formatted Sick Note
MedLetter sick notes meet all Ontario legal requirements and are accepted by every employer in the province.
**$49 | CPSO-registered physician | Verifiable | Within 6 hours**