Is it legal for my employer to deny my doctors note as a valid excuse to miss work?

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Is it legal for my employer to deny my doctors note as a valid excuse to miss work?

My employer told me they do not accept doctors notes as a valid reason to miss
work. This confuses me because at the other facility that I work at they accept
my doctors notes and other forms of proof showing I was out sick. I have recently
had to miss a weeks worth of work because I have been in severe pain and
vomiting. While one job is super helpful the other doesn’t seem to care that I am
sick and show proof that I have been out of work because I am sick. They have
even gone so far as to keep me at work while I am vomiting on myself and asked me
if I could just purchase a new shirt to keep working.

Asked on April 22, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Georgia

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 7 years ago | Contributor

An employer NEVER has to let you miss work for an alleged illness unless:
1) You have and use paid time off (e.g. sick days) for the absence; or 
2) Your employer is covered by, you are eligible for, and you properly use FMLA or similar leave.
Otherwise, employers don't need to provide time off for illness or doctor's visits and, if they do choose to provide it, can determine when, why, and what documentation you need.


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