Medical Information for Short Term Absences

The University and the USW want to ensure that members of the bargaining unit understand what medical information is required in instances of short term absences for medical reasons that fall under Article 16.04 of the collective agreement.

The following medical information is to be provided directly to Occupational Health and Wellness by way of a signed medical certificate completed by the employee’s treating regulated health professional:

1.  The general nature of the illness or injury;

2.  Certification that the employee is under the direct care of the regulated health professional providing the medical information and the date(s) seen in relation to the current absence;

3.  Confirmation that the employee is unable to work; or, is able to work with medical restrictions, along with specific restrictions and expected duration;

4.  Confirmation that the employee is following the recommended treatment plan; and,

5. The expected return to work or reassessment date.

In situations where the medical certificate set out in paragraph 1 is provided directly from the employee’s regulated health professional to Occupational Health and Wellness, it will not be read unless there is an appropriate release in writing.

There may be cases where the University requires an updated certificate and/or may request further information beyond that set out above.  Examples of when additional medical information may be requested include, but are not limited to, the following::

• where the absence is on-going;
• to facilitate an accommodation plan;
• to develop a plan to safely return an employee to work;
• to authorize a leave where there are reasonable grounds to question the legitimacy of a period of absence.

The University and the USW are committed to working together to deal with these situations on a case by case basis.