The certificates GPs cannot charge fees for

A guide to which certificates GPs cannot charge for

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 person (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 shall be conducted by the deceased’s general practitioner.

Council tax exemptions

Council tax exemptions are intended to support a claim by, or on behalf of, a severely mentally impaired person for exemption from liability to pay council tax, or eligibility for a discount in respect of the amount of council tax payable.

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 provide 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 fee for issuing certificates about infectious diseases.

Paternity tests

There are some services which doctors are not obliged to provide but, when they do, the fee payable is governed by statute; for example, fees for taking samples of blood required in cases of disputed paternity under the Blood Tests (Evidence of Paternity) Regulations.

Professional evidence in court

Under the Supreme Court Act 1981, any registered medical practitioner may be directed to give professional evidence.

To establish unfitness for jury service

Refer to the Juries Act 1974.

Statutory certificates for the Department of Work and Pensions

Information may be found here: factual medical reports: guidance for healthcare professionals (Department of Work and Pensions)