> In my opinion, requiring people to consult a professional only has benefit. People get help, employers get proof, doctors get work. I think it only has downs

> In my opinion, requiring people to consult a professional only has benefit. People get help, employers get proof, doctors get work. I think it only has downsides. If people really need help, they can get it even if they're not required to consult. When they don't really need help, they're just wasting everyone's time. Doctors around here (.fi) seem to have more than enough of work as it is, so there's no reason to create additional busywork for them; they've got more important things to attend to. Otherwise we might as well start breaking windows. I know people who go to work (and school..) sick because getting permission to be sick and stay home is a PITA. Sigh.