More professionals can issue fit notes
The government has introduced new laws to extend the number
of healthcare professionals that can issue fit notes. The change is intended to
ease pressure on GPs.
Currently only doctors can issue fit notes. This sometimes
causes delays in certifying absences from work. From July 1st a much
greater range of healthcare professionals will be able to issue the notes.
The Department
of Work and Pensions says the change, the biggest update to fit notes since
they were introduced in 2010, will relieve pressure on doctors, hospitals and
employers.
Changes were made earlier this year in response to the
pandemic which temporarily
extended the period before a fit note could be requested from 7 to 28 days.
The notes were also updated to be issued digitally in April this year.
Who can issue fit notes from July?
From July 1st the number of healthcare
professionals who can issue fit notes has been extended to include:
- Nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Pharmacists
- Physiotherapists
What controls are in place?
Fit notes can only be used after an assessment of a person’s
fitness for work. They cannot be issued on demand or via over-the-counter
services. Not every registered professional will be able to issue the notes.
Guidance from the General
Pharmaceutical Council, which regulates Pharmacists, say that only those
who are working in multi-disciplinary teams in general practices or hospitals
can issue the notes. This excludes many High Street pharmacists.
Furthermore, certain conditions must also be in place.
Pharmacists must have the necessary skills and training to hold work and health
conversations. Issuing the notes must fall within individual ‘scope of
practice’, which means pharmacists must complete training to identify if it is
a suitable task.
Many fit notes are for five weeks or more
The Society of Occupational Medicine notes that over a third
of fit notes are issued for five weeks or longer, when about 20% of those
signed off will never return to work. The Society believes that fit notes are
rarely used to their full potential, with most focussing on the ‘not fit’
option, rather than the ‘may be fit for work’ choice.
The Society
is calling for comprehensive training in use of the fit note, in
undergraduate and post-graduate programmes, across all the relevant
disciplines.
Where can I find more information?
The government has published a series of useful guides for
patients, employees, employers and healthcare professionals. They can be access
directly on the government website.
The Society of Occupational Medicine also has a free webinar
on Making the Most of the Fit Note Changes on July 11th (9am to
10am) and anyone can register online on
their website.
What does it mean for my business?
Whilst it may take some time for the changes to settle into
normal business practices, the benefit of improved access may be off-set by
(probably well intentioned) unclear advice from the professional on the fit
notes.
For example, vague suggestions on a fit note (e.g. “reduce
stress”) to facilitate a return to work may have noble intentions, yet specific
guidance is often needed by most employers.
If you are ever in doubt about the relevance of the guidance
contained within a fit note, most occupational health professionals will be
pleased to offer guidance and support.
About Occupational Health
Assessment Ltd
Occupational Health Assessment Ltd provides rapid access to expert occupational health support for businesses across
the United Kingdom. Appointments are available within two days.
With a unique occupational health assessment service, night worker health
assessments, fitness certifications and access to clinics in Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Coventry, Derby, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Northampton, Nottingham, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Reading, Sheffield, Southampton, Stoke, Surrey and more, the business provides high quality,
expert medical advice.
Please contact us for further information or assistance.