Can a New Hampshire employer require a doctor's note? Generally yes — no New Hampshire or federal law prohibits it, and the state has no paid-sick-leave mandate that would limit it. Sick-leave benefits and documentation rules are set by your employer's policy. The employer's policy sets what documentation it accepts.
New Hampshire does not have a statewide paid-sick-leave law. Private employers are not required to provide sick leave, so sick-time benefits and any documentation rules are governed by employer policy. A separate state law effective January 1, 2026 gives some employees unpaid leave for childbirth-related needs, but that is not paid sick leave. Federal protections such as the FMLA and ADA can still apply.
How sick leave works in New Hampshire
New Hampshire does not have a statewide paid-sick-leave law. Private employers are not required to provide paid sick leave to employees. Where an employer chooses to offer sick time, the terms, including accrual, carryover, and any documentation rules, are governed by that employer’s policy or an employment contract.
A separate New Hampshire law effective January 1, 2026 requires employers with at least 20 employees to provide eligible employees a limited amount of unpaid leave for childbirth-related medical needs. That is a narrow unpaid-leave right, not a paid-sick-leave mandate, and it does not change the fact that the state does not require paid sick time.
When a doctor’s note can be required
No New Hampshire or federal law flatly forbids an employer from asking for a doctor’s note, and because there is no statewide paid-sick-leave mandate, there are no state-law limits on when one can be requested. Whether and when you need documentation is a matter of your employer’s policy. Separate federal protections such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can still apply in qualifying situations. Documentation rules are set by the employer’s own policy.
The specifics above are summarized at a high level and are not legal advice. Treat anything time-sensitive as something to confirm with the New Hampshire Department of Labor or an employment attorney.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Does New Hampshire require paid sick leave?
Can my employer require a doctor's note in New Hampshire?
Did New Hampshire pass a new leave law for 2026?
This is general information about New Hampshire rules, not legal advice. Laws change; verify current requirements with the linked primary sources or an employment attorney.