Changes to Self-Certification and MED3 requirements

Under the new guidance, patients are now able to self-certify for the first 7 days of illness, and GPs are not required to issue a MED3 Fit Note during this period. Patients should be directed to provide a self-certification form (SC2) to their employer for absences of up to 7 days.

If an employer insists on a doctor’s note within the first 7 days, this request falls outside of NHS contractual work. In such cases, issuing a certificate becomes a private, non-NHS service, and the practice is entitled to charge a fee.

The fee for providing a private medical certificate during the self-certification period is: £25