Can a Michigan employer require a doctor's note? Generally yes, but Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act limits it: for paid earned sick time, an employer may require reasonable documentation only when an absence runs more than three consecutive days, and cannot demand details about the underlying illness. Outside that, documentation depends on your employer's policy.
Michigan has a statewide paid-sick-leave law, the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), which took effect February 21, 2025 after litigation reinstated the 2018 ballot measure. Most employees accrue one hour of paid sick time per 30 hours worked. The law restricts when documentation can be required and bars employers from asking what the illness was. A verifiable note from a licensed physician still helps satisfy a lawful documentation request.
How sick leave works in Michigan
Michigan has a statewide paid-sick-leave law. The Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) took effect on February 21, 2025, after a Michigan Supreme Court decision reinstated the 2018 voter-initiated law and the Legislature amended it (House Bill 4002). It replaced the earlier Paid Medical Leave Act.
Under ESTA, most employees accrue at least one hour of paid earned sick time for every 30 hours worked, which can be used for their own illness, preventive care, or to care for a family member, among other covered reasons. Coverage and annual caps differ for small employers, and new hires may be required to wait before using accrued time. Check the state’s official FAQ and your employer’s policy for the figures that apply to you.
When a doctor’s note can be required
No Michigan or federal law flatly forbids an employer from asking for a doctor’s note. For paid earned sick time under ESTA, however, the state’s guidance is specific: an employer may require reasonable documentation only when an employee uses earned sick time for more than three consecutive days. Even then, the employer may verify that the time was used for a covered purpose but cannot require you to disclose the nature of the illness or condition.
For shorter absences, or for time off that isn’t ESTA sick time, it’s the employer’s own attendance policy that decides whether you need a note. Once an absence does cross the three-day ESTA threshold, a note from a licensed physician that confirms the dates without naming the illness is the kind of documentation the Act contemplates.
This is a general summary, not legal advice, and Michigan’s rules can change. Confirm anything time-sensitive with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Does Michigan require paid sick leave?
Can my employer ask for a note for one or two sick days?
Can my employer ask what illness I have?
This is general information about Michigan rules, not legal advice. Laws change; verify current requirements with the linked primary sources or an employment attorney.