Coronavirus medical clearance certificates
05 Feb 2020
‘Help, I’ve been asked to provide a ‘medical clearance’ for a child so they can return to school. How can I know whether the patient is clear of the virus and can safely return to school?’
There is no testing currently available to predict whether or not a symptom-free patient is infected with the virus.
As with all requests for 'fitness certificates' doctors have an obligation to provide factual information but this does not mean that the doctor must follow the format of the request, such as providing an opinion that a patient does not have the coronavirus.
In the case of the coronavirus, NSW Health website has useful information about medical clearance certificates.
Doctors can provide a certificate to state that on the day the patient was seen, the patient reported no symptoms, and physical examination did not reveal any abnormalities. The history and examination should be clearly documented in the medical record.
The coronavirus situation is rapidly changing, and doctors are encouraged to keep up to date with the health department advice in their state:
- ACT Health
- NSW Health
- NT Department of Health
- Qld Health
- SA Health
- Tasmania Department of Health
- Victoria Health and Human Services
- WA Department of Health
- Australian Government Department of Health
- Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080
MDA National members can contact our Medico-legal Advisory team for advice on specific situations.
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This blog contains general information only. We recommend you contact your medical defence organisation or insurer when you require specific advice in relation to medico-legal matters.
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Dr Nick Coatsworth is an expert in health policy, public administration and a practising infectious diseases physician. He held a national role in the Australian response to COVID-19 as Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Australia, becoming one of the most recognised medical spokespeople during the pandemic. Nick engaged the Australian community through a variety of media platforms most notably as the spearhead of the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Dr Micheal Gannon, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, sits down with Dr Nick Coatsworth to discuss Nick's medical career journey, and what insights and advice he has for junior doctors. MDA National would like to acknowledge the contributions of MDA National staff, Members, friends and colleagues in the production of the podcast and note that this work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under applicable copyright law, you may not reproduce the content of this podcast without the permission of MDA National. This podcast contains generic information only, is intended to stimulate thought and discussion, and doesn’t account for requirements of any particular individual. The content may contain opinions which are not necessarily those of MDA National. We recommend that you always contact your indemnity provider when you require specific advice in relation to your insurance policy or medico-legal matters. MDA National Members need to contact us for specific medico-legal advice on freecall 1800 011 255 or email advice@mdanational.com.au. We may also refer you to other professional services.
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