The answer is: No, in most cases pharmacists cannot issue official sick notes for work absence in Ireland and across the EU.
However, in some countries such as the UK and Australia, pharmacists and some other registered healthcare practitioners can issue sick notes.
Let’s understand what a sick note is, why pharmacists can’t issue sick notes, and from whom you can get one.
Understanding What a Sick Note Is
A sick note/ sick cert (also known as a fit note or medical certificate) is an official document issued by a registered medical doctor that confirms that a person is medically unfit to work due to an illness or injury.
In Ireland, these certificates are usually required for:
- Employers (as a proof of their illness to justify sick leave)
- Statutory sick leave (SSL) entitlement
- Social welfare benefits (e.g. illness benefits from the department of social protection)
- Schools and other institutions (to track student’s absences and asess the affect on their academic progress)
According to the Sick Leave Act 2022, an employee shall provide his or her employer with a medical certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner stating that the employee named in the certificate is unable to work.
Why Pharmacists Can’t Issue Sick Notes?
Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals, but their legal scope of practice is different from that of doctors.
Generally, in Ireland and most EU countries, pharmacists are not authorised to diagnose illnesses or issue medical certificates that declare someone unfit for work.
Their professional duties focus on:
- Dispensing prescription and non-prescription medications
- Providing expert advice on drug use and side effects
- Managing pharmacy operations
In short, pharmacists can advise and guide you, but cannot certify your medical fitness for work.
What Can Pharmacists Help You With?
Although pharmacists can’t issue sick notes in Ireland and the EU, they play an increasingly important role in healthcare and can help you in many other valuable ways.
They can be the first point of contact for many common health issues and save you time for visiting a GP.
As per HSE.ie , pharmacists can:
- Provide medicines you can buy without a prescription
- Provide medicines you have a prescription for
- Give advice on minor illnesses and tell you if you need to see a GP
- Tell you how to take your medicines correctly.
What to Do if You Need a Sick Note Quickly?
If you need a sick note and can’t see your GP in person, you can get it online as well.
Get your online sick note or sick cert, valid in Ireland and the EU, after a consultation with an IMC registered doctor. All from the comfort of your home.
Takeaway
No, only IMC registered doctors can.
Yes, they can offer advice and medication.
No, not currently.
