Who Can Issue Sick Leave Certificates and Online Medical Certificates in Australia?

Understanding Who Can Legally Issue Medical Certificates in Australia

When you're unwell and need time off work, you may wonder: who can legally issue a sick-leave or medical certificate in Australia?

Here's everything you need to know — including how to get a legitimate online medical certificate (also called a med cert) from trusted practitioners. Whether you need a medical certificate for work or a quick med cert online, understanding who can issue these documents is essential.

Who Can Issue a Medical Certificate or Sick-Leave Certificate?

Under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), employees may be asked to provide evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person that they were unfit for work.

A medical certificate (med cert) or sick leave certificate (absence from work certificate) serve as this evidence and can come from an AHPRA-registered health practitioner, such as:

Doctors (Medical Practitioners)

Doctors issue medical certificates for work and are the most common providers for short- or long-term illnesses. When you need a medical certificate, a doctor can provide one either in-person or through telehealth consultations, making it easy to get your med cert online without leaving home.

Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioners have advanced clinical authority and can issue sick certificates and medical certificates similar to doctors, including for telehealth consultations. Their medical certificates for work are recognised by employers and meet Fair Work requirements.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists can issue an Absence from Work Certificate for minor, short-term illnesses or injuries where a doctor's appointment isn't required.

These pharmacist-issued sick leave certificates are recognised under Fair Work for simple conditions like colds or mild flu.

Can Medical Certificates Be Issued Online?

Yes — online medical certificates (also known as med cert online) issued by AHPRA-registered practitioners are valid when done through legitimate, compliant services. Getting a medical certificate online or med cert online is now a convenient and widely accepted option for Australian workers.

At First Point Health, we strive to enable experienced and AHPRA-registered practitioners to issue medical certificates or sick leave certificates for work or universities as fast as possible for people in need.

Our process is straightforward:

• Submit a short online form
• A practitioner reviews your request
• Receive your fair-work compliant sick leave certificate, usually within minutes

Looking for an online medical certificate? Find out more about how to get your certificate now →

Employer Acceptance of Online Medical Certificates

Most Australian employers accept doctors certificates online, pharmacist certificates, and sick certificates online as long as they are issued by registered practitioners.

Each medical certificate or sick leave certificate (whether it's a sick leave certificate from a pharmacist or a medical certificate for work from a doctor) includes the practitioner's name, registration number, and the consultation date — meeting Fair Work's definition of "reasonable evidence".

Tip: Always check your workplace policy if you're unsure about specific requirements. Most employers accept online medical certificates as long as they're from AHPRA-registered practitioners.

Key takeaways

• Doctors, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists can all issue valid medical certificates (or med certs) or sick leave certificates for sick-leave evidence.

• Online medical certificates are recognised when issued by AHPRA-registered practitioners. You can get your med cert online quickly and easily.

• Pharmacist certificates (Absence from work or personal leave certificates) are suitable for short-term absences.

• Getting a medical certificate for work online is fast, compliant, and secure.

Looking for an online medical certificate? Find out more about how to get your certificate now →