What Information Is on a Sick Note?
A sick note is a surprisingly simple document. Many people worry that it will reveal personal medical details to their employer — it doesn't. Here's exactly what a standard Canadian sick note contains.
Standard Sick Note Contents
| Element | Example | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Physician's full name | "Dr. Sarah Chen, MD" | Yes |
| Professional designation | "MD, CCFP" | Yes |
| Registration number | "CPSA #12345" | Yes |
| Clinic/practice name | "MedLetter Virtual Care" | Usually |
| Date of assessment | "June 30, 2026" | Yes |
| Patient's name | "John Smith" | Yes |
| Statement of inability to work | "This patient was assessed and is unable to perform their work duties" | Yes |
| Period of absence | "From June 28 to June 30, 2026" | Yes |
| Expected return date | "Expected to return July 1, 2026" | Usually |
| Physician's signature | [Signature] | Yes |
What Is NOT on a Sick Note
Your employer will NOT see:
- Your specific diagnosis (flu, anxiety, back pain, etc.)
- Your symptoms
- Medications you're taking
- Treatment plan
- Medical history
- Whether you visited in-person or online
- How much you paid for the note
- Details about your condition
Sample Sick Note Language
A typical sick note reads something like:
> Medical Certificate
>
> Date: June 30, 2026
>
> To Whom It May Concern,
>
> This is to certify that I assessed [Patient Name] on June 30, 2026. Based on my medical assessment, this patient is unable to perform their regular work duties from June 28, 2026 to June 30, 2026 inclusive.
>
> They are expected to return to work on July 1, 2026.
>
> [Physician Name], MD
> [Registration Number]
> [Signature]
That's it. No diagnosis. No symptoms. No personal medical information.
What Employers Can Request
Your employer can ask the note to include:
- Confirmation you were assessed by a physician
- Dates you were/are unable to work
- Expected return date
- Whether you need any workplace modifications upon return
Your employer CANNOT ask the note to include:
- Your diagnosis
- Your symptoms
- Whether you're "really" sick
- Details about treatment
- Prognosis beyond return date
Modified Duty Notes
If you're returning with limitations, the note may additionally include:
- Specific functional limitations ("no lifting over 10 kg")
- Duration of modifications ("for 4 weeks")
- Activities to avoid ("no prolonged standing over 30 minutes")
- Review date
Even modified duty notes don't include your diagnosis. They describe what you can't do, not why.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer ask my doctor to add more information?
Not without your consent. And even with consent, the physician decides what's clinically appropriate to disclose.
What if my employer says the note isn't detailed enough?
A note that includes physician name, registration number, dates, and confirmation of inability to work meets all legal requirements. There's no standard requiring more detail.
Does the note say if I saw the doctor in person or online?
Usually not. Most notes simply state "I assessed this patient" without specifying the modality.
Can my employer share my sick note with coworkers?
No. Your sick note should only be seen by HR and your direct manager (if necessary). Sharing it with coworkers violates privacy.
Sources
- Canadian Medical Association — Medical Certificate Guidelines
- Provincial Privacy Legislation (PHIPA, HIA, PIPA)
- Canadian Medical Protective Association — Documentation Standards