Owner: Aaron Fitzell
Last Updated: 2026-03-30
Version: 1.0
(have an idea for how this SOP could be better? Please fill out the Suggest Edit form at the very bottom of this procedure)
Procedure Info
Tags
medical certificate, medical attendance, sick leave, doctor, appointment, documentation, certificate, absence, compensated leave, GP, note, leave approval, difference, confused, clarify, bereavement, bereavement leave, death, loss, family, immediate family, extended family, funeral, compassionate, annual leave, grief
Purpose
To provide a clear explanation regarding the difference between Medical Attendance and Medical Certificates, and what’s required to be granted sick leave.
To set expectations regarding bereavement leave in the event of a death in the immediate family.
When to Use This SOP
Who Should Use This SOP
This procedure is for all employees.
Tools and Resources Needed
N/A
Sick Leave and Medical Attendance vs Medical Certificates
- There’s often confusion between “Medical Attendance” and “Medical Certificates”. Let’s see if we can clear the difference up.
- Medical attendance = hours away from work to attend an appointment with a medical professional.
- Medical certificate = written documentation for your employer of a period of time you’ll be away from work.
- Both play a role in allocating leave, but they are not the same thing.
- The important thing to remember:
- Like any employer, a medical certificate is needed for compensated sick leave to be approved.
- Just attending an appointment does not meet sick leave documentation requirements – it must be a physical note from your doctor.
Bereavement Leave
- If you lose someone close, we want to support you.
- Bereavement leave is reserved for immediate family.
- Please provide a death or funeral notice as soon as it is available.
- For extended family or friends, annual leave is the best option.
Review Schedule and Change Log
| Version | Date | Author | Change Summary |
| 1.0 | 2026-03-30 | Joel Smith | Initial draft |