To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what reason the validity of a MED 5 sickness certificate is limited to a year for people who are eligible for it due to learning disabilities. (92048)

There are no different rules relating to the validity of medical certificates that apply solely to people with learning disabilities.

The MED 5 certificate is a ‘special statement’ given by a doctor, where they have not seen their patient, and based on the report of another doctor, for example a hospital doctor. The rules governing the provision of a MED 5 certificate do not allow it to be issued for a period of more than one month.

However, a MED 3 certificate, the ‘usual statement’ can be given for longer periods; after the first six months, this includes ‘until further notice’.