Ontario aims to ease paperwork burden for family doctors
Ontario is taking steps to reduce the administrative load on family doctors. Employees seeking to utilize their three days of provincially mandated annual sick leave will no longer require a doctor's note.
Dr. Sahira Charania and her brother Dr. Hanif Charania, who have been practicing family medicine for more than 30 years, say the amount paperwork they have to deal with has become overwhelming.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
"It just creates a lot of extra stress for everybody, which is unnecessary," says Dr. Sahira Charania.
Both Sahira and Hanif understand that sick notes can sometimes be necessary. The Ontario Medical Association says administrative work by doctors can take up to 19 hours per week.
"It takes time for us to write the notes. More importantly, it may also be taking time away from other people who may need those spots who are truly sick for other reasons, whether it's in the after hours clinic or our daytime office, while other patients are solely coming here for a sick note when they can really look after these health issues on their own," explains Dr. Hanif Charania.
Beyond the three days, employees could still be responsible for providing a sick note, which usually comes with a fee of about $15.
"What if you're sick beyond those three days, what are the rules and what are the rights and obligations of employers and employees anywhere beyond that? And that's where essentially the rules are going to stay the same, which is that an employer does have the right to ask for a medical note," said Alex Lucifero, partner and employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.
While employers can still request proof of illness, such as self-attestations or pharmacy receipts, some, like Shawna Wilson-Allen, manager at a local business, says she usually never asks for a sick note from her employees, unless they abuse their sick leave.
"I trust my employees, but that doesn't mean that every company trusts theirs," says Wilson-Allen. "So I very rarely ask for a doctor's note unless it's somebody that has an issue with being out a lot. I trust my people when they say that they're sick."
Donald Makori, an employee, criticizes the requirement for doctor's notes, describing it as difficult for individuals simply in need of rest.
"I find it ridiculous that if someone is sick that they have to take time instead of resting at home, take time to get to the doctor, get a note. Even if it's something like they just need a day of rest," says Makori.
With these new changes, family physicians are hopeful it will alleviate the administrative burden on doctors' offices, enhancing efficiency across the healthcare system.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
More Canadians only making minimum payment on credit cards: TransUnion
Some Canadians are seeing their credit card balances grow as the cost-of-living crisis and higher interest rates eat into household budgets, a new report shows.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
Tanks reach Rafah's centre as Israel presses assault despite global scrutiny
Israeli tanks reached the centre of Rafah for the first time on Tuesday, witnesses said, three weeks into a ground operation in the southern Gaza city that has sparked global condemnation.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.
Arm of mummy came off after mishandling by museum staff: Mexican government
Mexico's federal archaeology agency on Monday accused the conservative-governed city of Guanajuato of mistreating one of the country’s famous mummified 19th century bodies.
Five of Ontario's top 10 worst roads are located in the Toronto area
A new pothole-riddled street in Hamilton has taken the top spot for the worst road in Ontario, according to a new list released by the Canadian Automotive Association (CAA) on Tuesday.
DEVELOPING In Trump's hush money trial, prosecutors and defence lawyers are poised to make final pitch to jury
Prosecutors and defence lawyers in Donald Trump's hush money trial are set to deliver closing arguments to the jury Tuesday, each side looking to score final points with the panel before it starts deliberating the fate of the first former American president to be charged with felony crimes.
Red Lobster in Ontario court to discuss U.S. bankruptcy case, Canadian assets: docs
A lawyer for Red Lobster Canada, Inc. says he will ask an Ontario court today to recognize and enforce the chain’s U.S. bankruptcy protection proceedings, a process which documents show could include selling Canadian assets.