Proof of Illness (POI)

What is Proof of Illness?

PHC understands that becoming ill or suffering an injury can be a part of life and often cannot be avoided.  Please request employees to connect with the Occupational Health Department by email medinfo@providencehealth.bc.ca or fax 604.806.8061 to communicate Proof of Illness components for the following: 

All Single Significant Illness or Injury (SSI) and Chronic Medical Condition (CMC): 

• SSIs are defined as a car accident, workplace injury, surgery, hospitalization, or serious illness/injury.
• CMC is defined as a chronic medical condition (such as rheumatoid arthritis) that may limit an employee's ability to attend work regularly. 
• Absences of 5 or more days:  Employees must communicate with Occupational Health for absences of 5 or more days.  Employees may be enrolled in the Enhanced Disability Management Program (EDMP) which is designed to support employees that are absent from work or struggling at work because of an occupational or non-occupational illness or injury. 

Communication to Occupational Health must include the following Proof of Illness (POI) components:

1. Nature of Illness/Injury (Not diagnosis) - Example: Shoulder Sprain
2. Treatment - Example: Physiotherapy
3. Return to Work date - Example: January 15, 2022
4. Medical Limitations (What can’t you do at work?) - Example: No lifting arms overhead

A doctor’s note is no longer required, unless specifically requested.  All communications received will be assessed for follow up and if needed, an advisor from the Occupational Health Team will contact the employee.

Download the Operations Leaders’ Guide to Proof of Illness.