Use of Fake Medical Certificates in University: A Case Study

Online medical certificates have introduced a convenient alternative for individuals seeking validation of their inability to work due to illness or injury. 

However, online certificates have also raised questions regarding their reliability, authenticity, and potential for misuse. 

Understanding the implications and regulations surrounding online medical certificates in Australia is essential for healthcare professionals and individuals.

These documents are necessary when requesting Special Consideration for a university exam or assignment due to a health-related exemption.

Falsified medical certificates are forged documents that misrepresent an individual’s health. University students often use these false certificates to postpone taking an exam or obtain an assignment extension.

The falsification can vary from creating an entirely fake certificate to altering small details on a genuine medical certificate previously received.

In all cases, these actions violate university policy.

Information About Medical Certificate Guidelines

The Medical Council of NSW has published several guidelines that healthcare professionals must adhere to when issuing medical certificates. 

When issuing medical certificates, medical practitioners bear significant legal and professional obligations. They are required to:

• Maintain honesty and avoid misleading information in the issuance of medical certificates.
• Only endorse medical certificates they genuinely believe, or reasonably believe, to be accurate.

This entails ensuring that the medical certificate is grounded in factual information known to the doctor, with the practitioner’s observations and the details provided by the patient. 

This confidentiality must be respected if the patient does not wish to disclose the medical condition.

The Problem

Due to personal circumstances, a university student requested sick leave for an examination. The university required a medical certificate from the student for the leave.

The student self-issued a fake medical certificate using a doctor’s credentials and a clinic’s letterhead to present it to the university.

Our Response

Upon receiving the medical certificate, the university emailed to request verification from the healthcare professional.

At Panraa Doctors, the medical professional promptly checked their records, indicating that Panraa Doctors had not provided the student with the medical certificate.

This meant the student had presented a fake medical certificate.

University’s Action

The investigation concluded that the student had lied about their behavior and presented a fake medical certificate.

After learning about the student’s action, the university took disciplinary action based on the information from their previous records.

Things Universities Should Consider

A medical certificate is a document that states when the student is unfit for classes or exams.

If the certificate contains any inconsistencies or appears suspicious, universities should inquire with the doctor or contact the clinic directly.

Doctors or medical receptionists can confirm a patient’s visit but may refrain from discussing medical details with third parties.

Universities also have the option to request that students undergo an independent medical examination as part of their investigation.

At Panraa Doctors, we urge all employers and universities to always verify the validity and authenticity of medical certificates.

What Happens If You Fake A Medical Certificate?

Should it be determined that a student has submitted a fraudulent certificate, disciplinary measures may be necessary. 

University authorities may verify medical certificates. If they do, you risk expulsion, rustication, and other collateral consequences, such as depriving a more legitimate and eligible individual of that seat. Additionally, all your achievements, if any, may be derecognized.

In most cases, this would involve issuing a warning; however, expulsion could be considered.

Legal Ramifications of Producing Fake Medical Certificates

If a fraudulent medical certificate is submitted, the consequences can include:

• Disruption of course progression, potentially requiring students to retake classes and extending the length of their degree.
• In severe or repeated cases, expulsion from the university or exclusion from the degree program.
• In some instances, degrees have been revoked after graduation when misconduct was discovered and proven.

Panraa Doctors is determined to take legal action against any person or entity that uses the Panraa Doctors logo, letterhead pad, and credentials to produce or copy letters or documents, including medical certificates or laboratory request forms. 

Conclusion

While most students are likely to present authentic medical documentation, there might be instances where individuals attempt to exploit their leave privileges. 

Universities should exercise caution when receiving medical certificates from students and assess whether further investigation is warranted.

A medical certificate issued by a licensed medical professional typically serves as adequate evidence of a student’s absence from school due to illness. 

Nevertheless, universities should establish clear policies on medical certificates endorsed by healthcare practitioners to prevent fake medical certificates in Australia.

It is also necessary to check with the practitioner if the university suspects the student presented a false medical certificate.