Statement of attendance or ongoing care: template and differences from a medical certificate
Statements of attendance or ongoing care: which facts you can confirm, how they differ from medical certificates, and precautions to take. Downloadable template.
Countries covered : France
In France, an ‘attestation’ (a factual statement) and a medical certificate are often confused, although they differ both in scope and in who may issue them. Knowing which document to write, and what you can include, helps prevent mistakes.
This page explains the distinction, the precautions to take, and provides a downloadable template.
Factual statement or medical certificate: the key distinction
In practical terms, a practitioner who is not a doctor, such as a psychologist or another professional, may issue a factual statement of ongoing care or attendance, but not a medical certificate.
What you can confirm
- That a person is receiving care or attended an appointment.
- The dates, number and frequency of appointments.
- A general, objective reason, but only if you have established it yourself.
What to avoid
- Attributing a cause that cannot be verified, such as the origin of a disorder or another person's responsibility.
- Making a diagnosis or medical interpretation if you are not a doctor, or, even if you are, outside the framework of a medical certificate.
- Expressing an opinion about someone you have not seen.
- Writing an inaccurate document or issuing one simply to accommodate a request.
Every document must be written with honesty, objectivity and caution. You must describe precisely what you are confirming, without misleading a third party. The author is accountable for its content.
Download a statement template
A factual, carefully worded statement of ongoing care or attendance, ready to personalise. Enter your email address to access the PDF:
How to structure a statement
- Header. Your name, professional capacity and contact details.
- Identity of the person concerned.
- The fact being confirmed. Ongoing care or attendance, start date, frequency and number of appointments.
- Purpose statement. ‘This statement has been issued to the person concerned at their request, for use as appropriate.’
- Date, place and signature.
Save time while maintaining appropriate caution
A consistent template keeps your statement factual and helps avoid risky wording. For your clinical documents, including reports and notes, Delta generates a structured document using your template, based on live note-taking or dictation. HDS-certified hosting, GDPR compliant.
Frequently asked questions
How does a factual statement differ from a medical certificate?
A factual statement confirms an observed fact without a diagnosis or medical interpretation. A medical certificate is a medico-legal document reserved for doctors.
Can a practitioner who is not a doctor write a statement?
Yes, a factual statement of ongoing care or attendance. They cannot issue a medical certificate.
What can a statement of ongoing care contain?
Confirmation of ongoing care or attendance, the dates, number and frequency of appointments, and a general, objective reason if it has been established.
What should you avoid writing?
An unverifiable cause, a diagnosis or medical interpretation outside the appropriate framework, statements about someone you have not seen, or inaccurate information.
Is the author accountable for the document?
Yes. Every document must be written with honesty, objectivity and caution; its author is responsible for its content.
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