Doctors Notes

[mrlong]

Jurisdiction

Tennessee

Can an employer in TN require a doctor's note only with specified hours under care?
For example, the employee was under care on 06.10.16 during the hours of 9am to 5pm and may return to work on 06.11.16. I'm not sure if this is within the realm of the authority for a doctor to specify exact times within each date under care. Any advice?

 

[army judge]

Can an employer in TN require a doctor's note only with specified hours under care?
For example, the employee was under care on 06.10.16 during the hours of 9am to 5pm and may return to work on 06.11.16. I'm not sure if this is within the realm of the authority for a doctor to specify exact times within each date under care. Any advice?

I don't think the laws of TN would even speak to such a mandate.

Why?

How could the state enforce such a law, mandating what a physician must state?

I don't think it would be enforceable.

But, that's not your problem, is it?

I suggest you request of your physician if he or she would write such a note.

If he or she refuses, see what the physician will write for you.

Then, take the note the physician gave you and submit same to your employer.

The specificity of the note seems to speak to your attendance issues.

I suggest you attempt to remediate the issues, if they exist, otherwise begin searching for new employment.

 

[cbg]

With limited exceptions, all of which have to do with FMLA, an employer in all 50 states can request pretty much any kind of doctor's note they wish to.

 

[Betty3]

Agree with cbg - employer's decision (no law against it). As noted, limited exceptions re doctors' notes when FMLA applies.