Absence from work certificates
Absence from Work
Certificates
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.
Absence from Work Certificates can be provided by your pharmacist to verify
- Absences from work due to illness or injury (personal leave), or
- Absences due to illness or injury to a member of the employee’s immediate family or household (carer’s leave).
Pharmacists can only issue certificates for conditions that are within their scope of practice such as minor ailments including common colds or stomach upset. More serious illness or injury will involve the pharmacist referring the patient to a doctor or other relevant healthcare professional.
Absence from Work Certificates can be issued for short periods of leave and cannot be backdated. You will be asked for a form of identification, and you will generally be required to attend the pharmacy in person. If you need an Absence from Work Certificate as a carer the person who is ill will generally be required to be present.
Consultations for an Absence from Work Certificate are conducted in store by an experienced pharmacist and can vary in length. If you require this service, it is recommended to call your local pharmacy first to see whether you need to make an appointment and sometimes a short wait may be required. A fee applies for this service.
