Certificates for which GPs May Not Charge a Fee
Bankruptcy
Any individual who is able to give information about a bankrupt may be required to give evidence, for which no charge can be levied. The Court may also require such individuals to produce any documents in their possession or under their control relating to the bankrupt (S366, Insolvency Act, 1986).
Coroners' post-mortem
Although rarely used, the coroner has power under section 19 of the Coroners Act, 1988 to direct that a post-mortem examination shall be conducted by the deceased's general practitioner, suggesting that a report can be demanded.
Death certificates
Including death within 28 days of birth: the registered medical practitioner in attendance during the deceased's last illness must by law provide a certificate of cause of death (S22, Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1953).
Stillbirth certificates
At the request of the 'qualified informant', ie the next of kin, or the person eligible to report the stillbirth to the registrar, a registered medical practitioner present at the birth must give a certificate stating that the child was not born alive and giving, to the best of their knowledge and belief, the cause of death and estimated duration of pregnancy (S11, Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1953).
Notification of infectious diseases
There is no longer a fee for issuing certificates about infectious diseases.
Professional evidence in court
Under the Supreme Court Act 1981, any registered medical practitioner may be directed to give professional evidence.
In almost all other situations there is no legal, contractual, or professional obligation for the GP to provide a certificate or report. However, he or she may choose to do so as a private service for which they may charge the patient, or third party, that requests the information. See our Certification - Chargeable page for more information on which reports/certificates are chargeable.
