If you are absent for three or fewer work days, you do not need a doctor’s note.

If you are absent for more than three days, you will need documentation from your health care provider indicating that you were ill. You may return to work without it, but your absences over three days will not be deemed “sick leave” unless you provide the documentation. Without the note, the time may be deemed “lost time.”

Example: On Monday morning, Carlos falls in his house. His ankle is swollen and he cannot walk; therefore he cannot go to work. On Tuesday, he goes to the doctor, and is diagnosed with a fracture. His doctor tells him that he cannot return to work until the next Monday. He will have missed five days of work. When he returns to work on Monday, Carlos will need a note from his doctor indicating that he was ill on Thursday and Friday, because as of Thursday, he will have been absent for more than three days.

If you are absent for more than ten days, you cannot return to work without an authorization from your physician that documents your illness and releases you to return. Your doctor must complete the appropriate form on this page in order for you to return to work. You may not return to work without submitting the appropriate form and receiving authorization to return from your supervisor and/or the IDLM Office.

Example: On Monday morning, Carlos falls in his house. He injures his leg and cannot go to work. On Tuesday, he goes to the doctor and learns that he will need emergency surgery for his injury. Carlos has surgery on Wednesday, and his doctor tells him that he will need two weeks to recover from his surgery. Carlos cannot return to work without submission of a doctor’s note that releases him to return to duty.

I Am Sick

How Many Days Can I Be Absent When I Am Sick?

I Don't Feel Well Enough to Go to Work Today. What Do I Do?

I Have a Serious Illness, and Need to Be Out for an Extended Period. What Do I Do?

What Happens if I Use All of My Paid Leave and My Fmla Leave, but Need More Time Due to My Illness?

Do I Need a Doctor's Note to Come Back to Work?

My Doctor Said I Can Return to Work, but I Cannot Do All of My Duties. Can I Work With Restrictions?

I Became Sick at Work; Ems Was Called.