As part of the healthcare system, General Practitioners (GPs) are often asked to provide medical certificates for various purposes. Some of these certificates are prescribed under specific legislation or regulations, while others are issued at the discretion of the GP. This guidance aims to clarify which certificates GPs are legally required to provide and which ones they may choose to issue, based on individual circumstances and practice policies.
These certificates are required under specific legal or regulatory frameworks, and GPs are obligated to provide them when requested.
Sick Note (Fit Note)
Purpose: To confirm that a patient is unfit for work due to illness or injury. It can also specify if the patient is fit for work with adjustments.
Regulation: Health and Work (Fit Notes) under the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992.
Mandatory for: Employment purposes, particularly for statutory sick pay.
Certificate for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Purpose: To verify that a patient is eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from their employer.
Regulation: Issued under the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992.
Mandatory for: Patients claiming SSP.
Death Certificate
Purpose: To confirm the date and cause of death.
Regulation: Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953.
Mandatory for: Registration of death and legal matters related to the deceased.
Certificate for Disability (for Benefits or Legal Purposes)
Purpose: A certificate that confirms an individual’s disability, typically needed to access disability benefits or support services.
Regulation: Disability Discrimination Act 1995 or Equality Act 2010.
Mandatory for: Patients seeking disability benefits.
Pregnancy-Related Illness Certificate
Purpose: To confirm illness related to pregnancy for the purpose of maternity leave or benefits.
Regulation: Employment Rights Act 1996.
Mandatory for: Maternity leave and pay.
Maternity Certificate
Purpose: To confirm the expected date of delivery or to support a patient’s maternity leave.
Regulation: Maternity Leave and Pay Regulations 1999.
Mandatory for: Maternity leave and benefits.
DVLA Fitness to Drive Medical Report
Purpose: To assess a patient’s fitness to hold a driver’s license, particularly in the case of medical conditions affecting driving ability.
Regulation: DVLA guidelines on medical standards for drivers.
Mandatory for: DVLA requests for medical assessments.
Council Tax Exemption Certificate
Purpose: To confirm that a patient qualifies for council tax exemption due to a severe mental impairment.
Regulation: Local Government Finance Act 1992.
Mandatory for: Council tax exemption for eligible patients.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Certificate
Purpose: To confirm the nature of injuries sustained due to a criminal act to support a compensation claim.
Regulation: Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
Mandatory for: Victims of criminal injuries applying for compensation.
While these forms may be requested by patients or external organisations, GPs are not legally required to complete them. GPs may choose to provide these certificates based on their own policies, the individual case, and professional judgment.
Travel Insurance Claims
Purpose: To confirm that a patient’s illness or injury prevents them from traveling, allowing them to claim from their travel insurance provider.
Regulation: Not a prescribed certificate.
Not Mandatory: GPs are not required to fill out these forms but may do so if they choose.
Student Finance Disability Form
Purpose: To confirm a student’s disability status for the purpose of obtaining financial support or adjustments in their education.
Regulation: Not a prescribed certificate.
Not Mandatory: GPs can choose whether to provide this information.
Fostering/Adoption Medicals
Purpose: To confirm the medical suitability of a patient (or prospective parent) for fostering or adoption purposes.
Regulation: Not a prescribed certificate.
Not Mandatory: GPs may provide these forms but are not obligated to do so.
BUPA and Other Private Health Insurance Claim Forms
Purpose: To provide medical information for private health insurance claims, such as for treatments or reimbursements.
Regulation: Not a prescribed certificate.
Not Mandatory: GPs may choose whether to complete these forms.
Firearms Medical Report
Purpose: To confirm that a patient is fit to hold a firearms license.
Regulation: Not a prescribed certificate.
Not Mandatory: GPs may provide this report but are not required by law to do so.
HGV Medicals (Heavy Goods Vehicle)
Purpose: To assess a patient’s fitness to drive a heavy goods vehicle.
Regulation: Not a prescribed certificate.
Not Mandatory: GPs may choose to conduct and provide this medical report but are not required.
Fitness for Sporting Events
Purpose: To confirm a patient’s fitness to participate in certain sporting events or competitions.
Regulation: Not a prescribed certificate.
Not Mandatory: GPs are not required to complete these forms.
Disabled Person’s Bus Pass Form
Purpose: To confirm a patient’s eligibility for a disabled person’s bus pass.
Regulation: Not a prescribed certificate.
Not Mandatory: GPs may choose whether to assist with these forms.
Military Medical Reports (e.g., for Army, MOD, Veterans UK)
Purpose: To confirm a patient’s medical fitness to serve in the military or receive military-related benefits.
Regulation: Not a prescribed certificate.
Not Mandatory: GPs may be asked to provide medical reports for military service, but they are not legally required to do so.
Discretionary Nature: For non-mandatory certificates, GPs have the discretion to choose whether to complete forms based on the patient’s needs, the purpose of the form, and the practice’s policies.
Professional Judgment: While GPs are not obligated to complete non-mandatory certificates, they should consider their professional responsibilities, the potential impact on the patient, and any relevant guidelines when making their decision.
Practice Policies: GP practices may have their own policies in place regarding the completion of non-mandatory certificates. These policies should be clearly communicated to patients to manage expectations.
Fees: It is important to note that GPs may charge fees for non-mandatory certificates (e.g., insurance claims or private medical reports).