urses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists can now certify fitness notes, as well as doctors.
The government has said the move will reduce the pressure on NHS doctors, especially GPs.
Fixed notes provide evidence to employers about a person’s absence and any relevant advice on how to support their employees to stay in or return to work.
Updated guidelines to health workers and their employers on these changes have been published, outlining how to support people to stay in work while managing a health condition.
Ministers said the change – which applies across England, Scotland and Wales and is reflected in Northern Ireland – would make it easier to get advice certified by the most relevant health worker.
People will no longer need to be sent to a doctor to have an appropriate note signed when they see an alternative professional for their health condition and receive treatment.
Chloe Smith, Minister for the Disabled, said: “Having a state of health does not have to take you out of a job. This change will make it easier for people and employers to get the advice they need so people can keep working, while also reducing bureaucracy and freeing up doctors’ time.
“Too often we see that people are faced with unnecessary challenges to get a fit note. More professionals who can provide this essential service will speed up the process and support people to return to or stay at work. ”
Sajid Javid, Secretary of Health and Social Care, said: “Reducing unnecessary bureaucracy is the key to ensuring that more patients can see their GP quickly and get the care they need while eliminating the Covid backlogs. spacious away.
“That’s why we’ve put in place these powers to ensure that certification records can be executed by other healthcare professionals – which helps ease pressure on GPs to focus on patients and deliver an extra 50 million appointments a year by 2024.”
Wendy Preston, the Royal College of Nursing’s head of nursing practice, said: “This is a positive step and is something that the Royal College of Nursing was instrumental in bringing about.
Nurses have the skills and knowledge to make challenging decisions and should not feel pressured to sign an appropriate note, just like our medical colleagues
“Nursing staff are often the first people to see patients, especially in primary care, and especially for those living with a long-term condition who sometimes need time to manage their condition.
“This will enable them to better meet the needs of their patients and reduce the need for further unnecessary appointments with other healthcare professionals.
“Nurses have the skills and knowledge to make challenging decisions and should not feel pressured to sign an appropriate note, just like our medical colleagues.”