Are you unwell or caring for someone who is unwell and unable to go to work? Do you require proof of legitimate absence from work? At Davey Street Discount Pharmacy we can help!
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, pharmacists have authority to issue Absence from Work Certificates to people covered by the Act as proof of legitimate absence from work. They cannot be provided for absences relating to pregnancy or compassionate leave.
Absence from Work Certificates can be provided by your pharmacist to verify:
Absence from Work Certificates are issued at the pharmacists’ discretion at pharmacies who offer this service. Pharmacists can only issue certificates for conditions they are within their scope of practice; such as minor ailments. If your illness or injury is outside a pharmacist’s ability to assess, they will refer you to a doctor or other relevant health care professional.
Absence from Work Certificates can be issued for short periods of leave, generally 1-2 days, and cannot be backdated. You may be asked for a form of identification (ID). If you need an Absence from Work Certificate for a carer the person who is ill must be present
Booking and Cost
Important information when requesting a certificate from a pharmacist
Evidence requirements (eg. certificates) for employees to notify personal leave or carer’s leave can vary depending on the relevant law, employment award, agreement or contract.
Pharmacists can only issue certificates as required by the Fair Work Act 2009. This means pharmacists can only issue certificates that inform your employer that you need leave because you are ill/ injured or have to care for a member of your family/household who is ill/injured. If you need a certificate for another purpose you may have to obtain this from your doctor. If you are unsure whether a certificate issued by a pharmacist will be satisfactory, ask the person or organisation that requires the certificate for more information.
Pharmacists can only issue certificates in relation to conditions (illnesses or injuries) they are professionally qualified to assess. There are some types of injuries or illnesses for which pharmacists may not issue certificates. A pharmacist can only issue a certificate if in his/her professional opinion you are unfit for your work or you need to care for a family/household member who is ill/injured.
A pharmacist is not a medical practitioner. A pharmacist gives an opinion as a pharmacist, and not as a doctor.
A pharmacist cannot backdate a certificate. If a pharmacist issues a certificate that is untrue in any way, he/she risks prosecution for fraud or professional misconduct. If you deliberately give a pharmacist false information relating to your health or the health of someone in your family/household you risk prosecution for fraud. In accordance with National Privacy Principles, information collected by the pharmacist during the consultation will not be used for any other purpose or disclosed to a third party unless you provide your consent. A consultation with a pharmacist is not intended to replace medical treatment, opinion or diagnosis. If your illness/injury persists or worsens, you should consult your doctor
If a pharmacist says he/she cannot issue you with a certificate,
this is not a decision that has been made lightly.
If a pharmacist is unable to issue you with a certificate and you believe you are unfit
for your work, you should seek an opinion from your doctor.
