As we reported a few weeks ago, the government will introduce legislation to eliminate sick notes for short term illness and injury absences. We’ve learned from other provinces that simply changing the rules isn’t enough, which is why we are launching a campaign to raise awareness and support the transition away from sick notes. 

What’s new: Our campaign will build public awareness and support employers as sick note limits become law, likely this spring. 

• Doctors are asked to add a notice to all sick notes, so workers and employers know a change is coming and to start preparing now (see notice below).
• We are launching a toolkit for employers in partnership with human resource experts and running a series of webinars in the new year to help HR professionals and employers learn to manage absences without sick notes. See the toolkit here.
• We will highlighting our online public awareness campaign featuring this cheeky video.

How you can help: All physicians can help by adding the following notice to the bottom of your sick note template:

—NOTICE TO EMPLOYER—

The Manitoba government will introduce legislation in the next few months to eliminate sick notes for most short-term absences, which will help to free up physician time to see more patients. 

Manitoba’s doctors are here to help you transition away from sick notes. We have partnered with CPHR Manitoba to create a free comprehensive toolkit to help you manage absenteeism without sick notes. Visit Doc​torsNotes​.ca to learn more and access our free resources.

Why it matters: Sick notes are a top form of administrative burden for physicians, with over 600,000 requested per year. Our advocacy to eliminate sick notes is one of several steps we are taking to lighten your administrative load, including:

• Leading the conversation about improving referrals and consultations 
• Advocating for truly interoperable EMRs in all settings
• Working with the insurance industry on a common disability form
• Landing a pilot in Manitoba for a shorter CRA Disability Tax Credit renewal form 
• Supporting adoption of AI Scribes in physician practices

Send us your admin burdens: We are always looking for more ways to help reduce your paperwork and administrative load. Drop us a line at adminburden@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca.

Funding for the Manitoba sick note project was made possible by the Canadian Medical Association, MD Financial Management Inc., and Scotiabank as part of the Health Care Unburdened Grant program.