We knew the drill in grade school: You say you’re sick, then you hand over a doctor’s note. The grow-up world isn’t all that different, as employers commonly ask employees to verify sick leave with a note from a doctor.

Sure, asking for a doctor’s note is, for the most part, legal – but demanding a prying doctor’s note isn’t. Requiring too much information from employees for sick leave can land employers in legal trouble.

Here are five do’s and don’ts when asking for a doctor’s note:

Bottom line: For the simple approval of sick leave, a general doctor’s note should be enough. Spare yourself the drama by not asking more about the diagnosis.

Related Resources:

  • Find Business and Commercial Lawyers Near You (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
  • Labor: How much information can an employer request in a doctor’s note? (Inside Counsel)
  • Forgery Suspect Shows Up in Court with Forged Doctor’s Note (FindLaw’s Legally Weird)
  • Is NYC’s Paid Sick Leave Bill a Good Idea? (FindLaw’s Free Enterprise)
  • Legal to Deny an Employee’s Vacation Request? (FindLaw’s Free Enterprise)

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