20/09/2022

The law will be changed from 1 July 2022 to allow a wider category of healthcare professionals to certify fit notes. This change will apply throughout the United Kingdom and the purpose is to ease pressure on GPs.

From 1 July 2022, in addition to doctors, those that will be able to sign fit notes will include:

• Nurses,
• Physiotherapists;
• Occupational Therapists; and
• Pharmacists

This will end the current rules that only allow doctors to legally sign fit notes.

The Northern Ireland Regulations were published on 10 June 2022 and can be accessed here

The Explanatory Note in the Regulations confirms that separate guidance will be available on https://www.nidirect.gov.uk to assist understanding of how to comply with fit note Regulations. This will be updated and publicly available on before 1 July 2022.

We will keep Members updated on this; if any Member has any questions they should not hesitate to contact the Legal Team