What is a return to work note?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
The clinician's dated clearance that you can safely resume work - and the important part is the restrictions: reduced hours, lifting limits, modified duties, medication cautions. Employers require it after meaningful absences - illness, injury, surgery, childbirth, FMLA. Useful mechanics: specific workable restrictions get you back sooner than waiting for 100 percent - ask for them if partially ready; the treating clinician writes it (surgeon after surgery), so raise it at the visit. Employers can also require a job-relevant fitness-for-duty exam at their expense.
What to do
- Raise the note at the visit itself. Same-visit letters beat after-the-fact.
- Ask for specific restrictions. Modified duties beat all-or-nothing.
- Get it from the treating clinician. The surgeon clears the surgery.
- Know the employer exam rule. Fitness-for-duty exams are allowed - job-relevant, their cost.
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