asked the Minister for Social Welfare if doctors should charge for medical certificates required under the Social Welfare Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Charge for Medical Certificates.
87.
Section 127 of the Social Welfare Act, 1981, provides for the issue for benefit purposes of medical certificates free of charge. The arrangements made under this section are that medical certificates are issued by approved medical certifiers who sign a form of agreement with the Department. Under the terms of the agreement, the certifier is required to examine insured persons who are claiming disability or occupational injury benefit and to complete and issue medical certificates free of charge where the certifier considers that the person concerned is incapable of work. The terms of the agreement preclude the certifier from accepting money or other consideration for the issuing only of a medical certificate.
Where, however, the insured person separately requests medical advice or treatment, the certifier is allowed under the agreement to deal with the patient accordingly and though still precluded from charging for a certificate, may charge for the advice or treatment.