Bring "Medical Exemption Certifictes" into the 21st century

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

We ask the Government to link medical exemption status directly to patient diagnosis using read codes in GP records. This would remove the need for separate applications, reduce admin burden for the NHS, and ensure patients access the care and medication they need without delay.

The current medical exemption process creates unnecessary admin for patients and the NHS. Many with chronic conditions, like diabetes, are eligible but must still apply. By linking exemptions directly to diagnosis read codes already in GP systems, access can be automated, admin reduced, costs lowered, delays avoided, and patient care improved. This simple change uses existing data to make the system more efficient, fair and supportive for those who need ongoing care whilst crucially saving costs

Why it was rejected

It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

We can only accept petitions about things the Government or Parliament are directly responsible for.

Decisions about Medical Exemption Certificates are a matter for the NHS, not the UK Government or Parliament.

Timeline

2 Jun 2025	Petition opened for signatures
1 Jul 2025	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21

Status Rejected

Rejected 1 Jul 2025

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