Are you up to date on Fit Note Guidance changes?

Category: Employment Law, News

Two legislative amendments have recently been made to improve the fit note and its use.

1. There is no longer a requirement for GP signatures in ink (since April 2022). This amendment enabled fit notes to be completed and certified digitally, simplifying the process for completing and issuing fit notes, although Ink signed fit notes continue to be accepted.
2. From 01 July 2022 a wider group of Healthcare Professionals (HCP’s) are legally permitted to certify Fit Notes. This wider group includes doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists. This change legally enables any statutorily registered member of these professions, to certify a legally valid fit note.

Certified fit notes are required to provide evidence of an absence from work of more than 7 days. This new legislation regarding fit notes, supports patients needing advice and fit notes and alleviates the need to wait for an appointment to see an already oversubscribed GP.

The new ruling is intended to improve a patient’s experience and reduce pressure on GP’s, as people will no longer need to see their doctor to have their fit note signed and may instead see and receive treatment from an alternative professional medically qualified to support with their health condition.

This change recognises the importance of supporting people to remain in work, while managing their health condition, offers the expertise of a wider range of healthcare professionals and will make it easier for employees and employers to get the advice they need whilst also freeing up the GP’s time.

What does the new Fit Note look like?

There will be one legal fit note template identical to the fit note currently used, issued by any of the eligible HCP’s which will include the following information:

• The date the patient was clinically assessed
• The nature of the patient’s condition affecting their fitness for work
• Whether the patient has been assessed as unfit for work or potentially fit for some work
• What changes can be made to facilitate the patient’s return to work, including amended duties, altered hours, workplace adaptations or a phased return.
• The anticipated recovery period.
• Whether or not the patient will need to be reassessed at the end of this period.
• The name and profession of the Healthcare professional authorising the form.
• The date the sick note was issued, which may not necessarily be the same as the patient assessment date, and the HCP’s practice or practitioner’s address

Should you have any questions or need support managing short term or long term sickness absence, please call the office team who are available Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.30pm on 01722 325833.