Changes To Fit Notes
Reasons to choose Wilson Browne
Fit notes (officially called ‘statement of fitness for work’ or ‘med 3’), which were introduced in 2010 as a replacement to sick notes, have recently undergone an update.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have amended legislation, which introduced a new version of the fit note. There have been two significant updates:
- In April 2022 the fit note was changed to contain the name of the healthcare professional who is authorising the form, negating the need for it to be physically signed – the old version that requires physically signing is still legally valid whilst this new version in being rolled out.
- From 1 July 2022 fit notes can be issued and certified by registered nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapist and pharmacists as well as doctors.
These changes have been made in the hope that it will reduce GP’s workloads in relation to fit notes making it easier for patients to get an appointment with their GP.