Can a Pennsylvania employer require a doctor's note? Generally yes. Pennsylvania has no statewide paid-sick-leave mandate, and no state or federal law flatly bars asking for a note. But Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County each have local sick-leave ordinances that limit documentation demands for short absences. Whether you need a note still depends largely on your employer's policy.
Pennsylvania has no statewide paid-sick-leave law, so for most of the state sick time is a matter of employer policy. However, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County each have their own paid-sick-leave ordinances with accrual rules and caps. Outside of those areas, an employer can generally ask for reasonable documentation, so a verifiable note from a licensed physician remains useful.
How sick leave works in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has no statewide law requiring private employers to provide paid or unpaid sick leave, and federal law does not require paid sick leave either. For most of the state, whether you receive sick days — and whether they are paid — is set by your employer’s policy. Three jurisdictions are exceptions: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County each have their own paid-sick-leave ordinances with their own accrual rates and annual caps.
When a doctor’s note can be required
Outside Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County, no statewide law stops an employer from asking for a note, so the employer’s own policy governs. What that policy generally wants is a dated note from a licensed physician that leaves out the diagnosis.
Local ordinances
If you work in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or Allegheny County, a local paid-sick-leave ordinance may give you accrued sick time and may limit when an employer can demand documentation for short absences. Pittsburgh’s ordinance was amended effective January 1, 2026 to increase accrual rates and caps, and Philadelphia’s law was amended by the 2025 POWER Act. Because these ordinances differ, check the rules for the specific jurisdiction where you work.
This is a general overview, not legal advice, and the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County rules add detail beyond it. Confirm anything time-sensitive with the relevant agency or an employment attorney.
Local ordinances in Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia: The Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces ordinance, amended by the 2025 POWER Act, provides covered employees with paid sick time within the city.
- Pittsburgh: The Paid Sick Days Act provides accrued paid sick time; amendments effective January 1, 2026 raised accrual rates and caps for covered employers.
- Allegheny County: The county's Paid Sick Days Act requires covered employers to provide accrued paid sick time for employees working within the county.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Does Pennsylvania require paid sick leave?
Can my Pennsylvania employer ask for a doctor's note?
Which Pennsylvania cities have paid sick leave?
This is general information about Pennsylvania rules, not legal advice. Laws change; verify current requirements with the linked primary sources or an employment attorney.