Can a Washington employer require a doctor's note? Generally yes, but with limits. Under Washington's statewide paid-sick-leave law, an employer may require verification, which can include a doctor's note, only for paid-sick-leave absences exceeding three consecutive days the employee was scheduled to work, and only under a written policy that doesn't create an unreasonable burden on the employee.
Washington has a statewide paid-sick-leave law, enacted by voters through Initiative 1433 and in effect since 2018. Nearly all employees accrue at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, with carryover up to a yearly cap. Seattle and Tacoma also have their own paid-sick-leave ordinances. The state law limits when an employer can demand verification for short absences, so for longer absences a verifiable note from a licensed physician remains useful.
How sick leave works in Washington
Washington has a statewide paid-sick-leave law, enacted by voters through Initiative 1433 and in effect since January 1, 2018, and administered by the Department of Labor & Industries. Nearly all employees — there is no employer-size threshold — accrue at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, with unused balances carrying over up to a yearly cap. Paid sick leave can be used for an employee’s own health needs, to care for a family member, and for certain safety- and closure-related reasons. The federal Family and Medical Leave Act adds a separate unpaid, job-protected floor for eligible employees.
When a doctor’s note can be required
Washington law doesn’t flatly forbid asking for a note, but it limits when verification can be demanded: generally, an employer can require it, which may include a medical note, only for paid-sick-leave absences exceeding three consecutive days the employee was scheduled to work, only under a written policy, and without creating an unreasonable burden or expense for the employee. Once that threshold applies, what a policy at that point can reasonably ask for is a dated note from a licensed physician, without a diagnosis attached. The ADA and FMLA, where they apply, add their own rules on how medical information can be requested and require it stay confidential.
Local ordinances
Seattle and Tacoma each have their own paid-sick-leave ordinances that operate alongside the statewide law. Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance requires paid leave for illness, family care, and safety-related needs, with accrual rates that vary by employer size. Tacoma’s ordinance likewise provides paid sick leave for covered employees, and the city now directs employers to follow the statewide standard. Where local rules apply, employees generally receive whichever protections are more generous.
This summary isn’t legal advice and simplifies real detail. If timing matters, an employment attorney or the state agency can confirm the current rule.
Local ordinances in Washington
- Seattle: Seattle's Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance requires paid leave for illness, family care, and safety needs, with accrual rates that vary by employer size.
- Tacoma: Tacoma's paid-sick-leave ordinance provides paid leave for covered employees; the city now directs employers to follow the statewide standard.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Does Washington require paid sick leave?
Can my Washington employer ask for a note for one sick day?
Do Seattle and Tacoma have their own sick-leave rules?
This is general information about Washington rules, not legal advice. Laws change; verify current requirements with the linked primary sources or an employment attorney.