What medical conditions qualify for jury duty exemption?

Conditions that may qualify include: chronic pain preventing prolonged sitting, cognitive impairment affecting ability to follow proceedings, severe anxiety or PTSD, mobility limitations preventing courthouse access, conditions requiring frequent medical treatments, hearing or vision impairment not correctable, and active medical treatment like chemotherapy. The condition must genuinely prevent jury service.

What should a medical excuse letter for jury duty include?

The letter should include: provider's letterhead with contact information, patient identification, statement that patient is under your care, general description of the limitation (not specific diagnosis unless necessary), whether the exemption is temporary or permanent, duration of exemption if temporary, and provider's signature with credentials and license number.

Should a physician include the specific diagnosis in a jury duty excuse?

Generally, no. To protect patient privacy, describe the functional limitation rather than the specific diagnosis. For example, write 'cognitive impairment affecting concentration' rather than 'early dementia.' Only include specific diagnoses if required by the court or if the patient consents. Courts typically accept functional descriptions.

Can a physician refuse to write a jury duty medical excuse?

Yes. Physicians should only write excuse letters for legitimate medical reasons that truly prevent jury service. Writing false or exaggerated excuses is unprofessional and potentially illegal. If a patient's condition doesn't prevent service, explain this and suggest they request hardship exemption through the court instead.

How long is a medical exemption from jury duty valid?

Temporary exemptions typically last 6-12 months, after which the patient may be called again. Permanent exemptions may be granted for chronic, irreversible conditions. Specify the duration in your letter. If uncertain, write 'indefinite pending reassessment' so the patient isn't called back prematurely if conditions change.

Administrative — Jury Duty Excuse Letter

Administrative Primary Care Updated: 1/4/2026

Formal medical excuse letter for jury duty exemption. Document medical conditions that prevent service. For physicians and providers.

Template

Interactive Mode

Audit Bill

[Date]

To the Jury Commissioner: Re: Jury Service for [Patient Name] DOB: [Patient DOB] Juror ID: [Juror ID Number]

To Whom It May Concern,
I am the treating physician for [Patient Name]. This letter is to verify that the patient suffers from a medical condition that [temporarily/permanently] prevents them from serving on a jury.

Nature of Limitation:

[Patient Name] has a condition that causes [severe chronic pain / cognitive impairment / mobility issues / need for frequent medical treatments] which would make sitting for prolonged periods or concentrating on proceedings impossible.

Duration:

This excusal is requested for a period of [Duration, e.g., 6 months / 1 year / Permanently].
Please feel free to contact my office if further verification is required.
Sincerely,
[Provider Name, MD/DO/NP/PA]
[NPI Number]
[Practice Name & Phone Number]

💡 Tip: Click anywhere to edit. Changes are temporary.

Related templates

Automate Your Documentation

Use this template with OrbVoice AI medical scribe to automatically generate structured notes from patient conversations. Save 2+ hours daily while maintaining documentation quality.

Try OrbVoice Free Learn More

Related resources

Templates Library

Browse all medical documentation templates

CPT 99202

Office or other outpatient visit, new patient, level 2...

CPT 99203

Office or other outpatient visit, new patient, level 3...

Medical Billing Guide

Learn about medical billing and coding