Employers' Acceptance of Mental Health-related Medical Certificates

34 Ms Elysa Chen asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry has plans to review employer practices on the acceptances of mental health-related medical certificates; and (b) whether further measures will be introduced to prevent discrimination or adverse employment outcomes for affected individuals.

Dr Tan See Leng: Employers must accept and grant statutory sick leave for all valid medical certificates, whether issued for physical or mental health conditions. In line with the Ethical Codes and Guidelines, doctor-issued medical certificates should respect patient confidentiality and should not indicate the nature of the patient's medical condition, unless the patient has consented to it.

The Workplace Fairness Act, when it comes into effect, will prohibit employers from making adverse employment decisions based on mental health conditions, among other protected characteristics.