Documentation of medical appointments, such as discharge papers or doctor’s notes, can be requested by workplaces following an employee’s absence due to illness. This documentation typically confirms the dates and, in some cases, the general nature of the medical issue necessitating time off. For instance, a note might confirm an employee’s inability to work on specific dates due to a medical condition, without disclosing the specific diagnosis.
Requesting such verification allows companies to manage employee absences effectively, ensuring accurate record-keeping for payroll, leave management, and compliance with relevant regulations like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in the United States. This practice also helps protect businesses from potential fraudulent absence claims. Historically, employers have relied on various methods for verifying employee illness, evolving from simple self-reporting to more formal documentation requirements as workplace regulations became more complex. This evolution reflects a growing need to balance employee privacy with legitimate business needs.
