Unemployment Insurance Code section 2709

If any individual in good faith adheres to the teachings of any bona fide church, sect, denomination or organization and in accordance with its principles depends for healing entirely upon prayer or spiritual means, no medical examination shall be required, but in lieu thereof the director may accept the certificate of a duly authorized and accredited practitioner of that bona fide church, sect, denomination or organization as to the disability of the claimant, or the serious health condition of the family member that warrants the care of the individual, for purposes of Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 3300) of Part 2, and the estimated duration of such disability, and no authorized regulation prescribing the manner of proof of illness, injury, or serious health condition shall discriminate against that individual.

Source: Section 2709, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=UIC§ionNum=2709.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2004; accessed Sep. 22, 2025).

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Verified:
Sep. 22, 2025

§ 2709's source at ca​.gov