- Nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists to certify and issue fit notes - reducing pressure on doctors, particularly GPs
- Update will enable patients to see the most relevant healthcare professional and have better conversations about work and health
- Changes follow the introduction of digital certifying of fit notes in April, simplifying the process of issuing and receiving fit notes
From 1 July 2022 nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists will all be able to legally certify fit notes - something that at present only doctors can do. If you've been off work with illness for more than seven days, a fit note provides evidence to your employer about your absence and any relevant advice on how to support you to remain in or return to work.
The change, the most significant since the fit note's inception in 2010, will support and empower better conversations about work and health between employers and staff by making it easier to get this advice certified by the most relevant healthcare professional. This change will be delivered in general practice and hospital settings.
It will also help reduce pressure on doctors, particularly GPs, while simplifying the process of issuing and receiving a fit note - cutting bureaucracy for employers and the National Health Service.
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Chloe Smith MP said:
The extension of fit note certification is fantastic news for patients, making it easier for them to get the support and advice they need from the right place, ensuring where possible that they are able to remain in work.
These latest fit note changes recognise the valuable role other professions play in helping manage people's health, and I hope this will also help reduce unnecessary bureaucracy for doctors and general practice more widely.
Minister for Patient Safety and Primary Care Maria Caulfield MP said:
Improving access to GP services and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy is vitally important as we tackle the Covid backlog. Extending powers to provide fit
