What Happened with My Planned Parenthood Doctor’s Note
So two weeks back, my workplace suddenly demanded a medical excuse for three sick days I took. I got treated at Planned Parenthood ’cause that’s where my regular doc works. Figured their note would be legit, right?
Handing It Over to HR
Walked into HR Monday morning, slid the note across the desk. The lady squinted at it like I handed her a grocery receipt. “Planned Parenthood… huh,” she muttered. Said she “had to check policy” and kept my note hostage.
The Office Policy Runaround
Turns out the employee handbook’s sick leave section mentioned “accredited medical facilities” but zero specifics. HR called my manager, then the legal team. For two whole days, nobody knew if that paper was worth squat. Meanwhile I’m stressing – could they dock my pay? Write me up?
The Final Verdict
On Wednesday, HR called me in. Legal finally dug up some clause that said:
- Any licensed physician signature counts
- Clinic reputation doesn’t matter
- No mention of “Planned Parenthood restrictions” anywhere
My sick days got approved instantly after that. But get this – HR quietly updated the handbook next week adding “notes from all federally licensed providers accepted.” Felt like they patched a hole only ’cause I forced ’em to look.
What I Learned
Truth is, a Planned Parenthood note is 100% valid anywhere – but bias exists. If your workplace starts waffling:
Ask for policy in writing, demand they show where it bans specific clinics. Mine folded immediately once challenged. Sucks we gotta double-check rights over basic stuff though.
