Debates of May 10, 2007 (day 4)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Member’s statement yesterday I spoke to the practice of asking employees to sometimes provide a medical prognosis from a doctor when they get a medical leave form. Twenty-four hours later my opinion hasn’t changed. I still think it’s unfair. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Human Resources, Mr. Dent. I’d like to ask the Minister if there’s a policy in place that requires employees to have a prognosis if they’re getting a medical leave form from a doctor. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Human Resources, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 50-15(6): Prognosis For GNWT Medical Leave Requests

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I listened, with interest, to the Member’s statement yesterday and I understand the concern that he’s expressed, particularly if there was some thought that a patient’s personal information could be included in a prognosis. Our policy allows the employer to get a prognosis from a doctor to get an indication of when an employee might be able to come back to work and whether or not they’re going to be able to resume work without some limitations. So quite clearly, under the policy of sick leave, Human Resources, or part of the human resource manual that deals with sick leave, the policy clearly says that it’s a statement from a medical practitioner which outlines the long or short-term impact of the employee's medical condition on the employee’s ability to carry out all or some duties. The medical prognosis does not provide detailed information respecting the condition, but provides information respecting the employee’s medically endorsed precautions and capabilities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 50-15(6): Prognosis For GNWT Medical Leave Requests

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The doctor's leave form says an employee can’t be at work for a week. Is that not sufficient enough? Does this apply to all employees who have received a medical leave form or just a select few? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 50-15(6): Prognosis For GNWT Medical Leave Requests

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The medical prognosis isn’t required with all employees, but it can be requested of any employee. It’s something that each manager is left to determine whether or not it’s something they should ask an employee to provide. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 50-15(6): Prognosis For GNWT Medical Leave Requests

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to ask the Minister if there was a particular reason this policy was brought forward. Were they having problems with employees taking advantage of medical leave forms? Is that why this policy was brought forward? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 50-15(6): Prognosis For GNWT Medical Leave Requests

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can’t speak as to why this item would have been included in the sick leave policy, but I would say that it’s certainly something that an employer would be interested in knowing whether or not there are terms or conditions, or there are certain conditions, that the employer should be aware of in making sure whether or not there’s an accommodation required for an employee, or how long an employee might be expected to be off work, and whether or not there should be a plan put in place to ensure that when they return to work they are able to continue.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Final Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 50-15(6): Prognosis For GNWT Medical Leave Requests

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll repeat once again, the medical leave form usually has a date of return from the doctor. So in his opinion, that’s when the employee can return to work and perform their duties. In my opinion, that sometimes questions the integrity of the doctors by asking for a prognosis on top of the medical leave form they’ve already given to the employer. I’d like to ask the Minister if the NWT Medical Association was consulted in any way on this particular policy. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 50-15(6): Prognosis For GNWT Medical Leave Requests

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can’t say whether they were consulted on this policy or not.