Q: If I leave work because I’m feeling unwell and return the next day, can my employer require a doctors note to return?
My employer told me this is a “walk out” and consequences would have to be talked over with HR the following day. As I was leaving I was told not to return unless I had a doctors note. I immediately ubered to urgent care (although I didn’t immediate need medical attention , I didn’t want to get fired), but when I arrived at 525pm I was put on a waiting list and told I most likely wouldn’t be seen that night. I called L&I but waiting for a call back.
A:
I'm so sorry you felt so ill, and hope you're feeling better now.
If are an "at will" employee (no contract, no union), your employer can require a doctor's note and, I'm afraid, can terminate you if you fail to provide one (check to see if the employer has an in-house policy on this issue).
There may be an exception if you have already gone through the reasonable accommodations process, and leaving occassionally for illness is part of your reasonable accommodations paperwork/agreement.
If you have an employment contract, review the contract for all details regarding leave. If you have a union, please contact your union representative right away for assistance.
I'm sorry I wasn't able to give you an answer that may be more to your liking, but most Washington State employees are "at will" and "at will" employees have few rights.
Best wishes,
Merry
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