Can a doctor refuse to give a person an excuse for missing work?
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Can a doctor refuse to give a person an excuse for missing work?
I went in as a walk-in because my employer sent me. I was told that as long as I’m on the list I would be seen. I stayed for over 6 hours waiting for the doctor then I was told that she couldn’t see me. They then told me they couldn’t give me an excuse because I didn’t see the doctor. They wouldn’t even give me a letter or anything to prove I was there. I lost my job because the doctor would not give me one.
Asked on March 19, 2011 under Malpractice Law, Georgia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, it is beyond dispute that a doctor can refuse to give someone an excuse or note. There is no law requiring a doctor to provide any any documentation, statement, or other information to any third party, including an employer, for any reason, including to avoid termination. Quite simply, the doctor is under no obligation to do this.
Also, even if the doctor had provided you the note, the employer would have been free to terminate you if the employer wanted (unless you had an employment contract to the contrary, that is)--so a note would not necessarily have protected you. There is no law stating that an employe may not be fired for going to instead of work.
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