Doctors say changes, which allow medical practitioners other than doctors to give out medical certificates for sick days, could undermine their integrity. Under the changes in the federal Workchoices legislation, pharmacists, nurses, acupuncturists and physiotherapists can issue medical certificates.
In a previous life EoR processed staff sick leave applications, and saw a variety of less than inspiring sick leave certificates. The classic "Mr Bloggs tells me has been off work with the flu" was always a giveaway, for example, so he can't see a problem with other health professionals being able to fill out these dodgy pieces of paper. He does, however, have some qualms about acupuncturists being lumped in there. When will the aura healers, the reikiists, the homeopathists and the therapeutic touch mob want to have the same privileges?
He can see it now:
Dr A Charlatan, ND, Dip Acc
Acupuncture, naturopathy, homeopathy, legerdemain
This is to certify that Joe Bloggs is suffering from
- Stagnant qi
- Liver toxins
- Mercury poisoning
He will be unfit for work for two weeks while he strengthens his immune system.
Why not notes from Mum and Grandma?
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