Paris – 14.06.2026: A recently published decree in France limits the duration of sick leave certificates to a maximum of one month for the initial issuance and up to two months for extensions. This regulation will come into effect on September 1, 2026, and applies to all healthcare professionals issuing sick leave certificates, including doctors, dentists, and midwives.
The decree was published on June 12, 2026, in the Journal officiel and sets the maximum durations for sick leave certificates. For the initial issuance, the maximum duration is 31 days, and for an extension, it is 62 days. This measure was adopted under the Social Security Financing Act for 2026.
The former president of the French doctors’ union, Éric Henry, sharply criticized this new regulation. He emphasized that responsibility should not be shifted solely onto employees and called for a review of management practices within companies. In his view, the burden should not be placed exclusively on the workforce.
This criticism targets the potential impacts of the new regulation on employees. There are concerns that limiting the duration of sick leave certificates could lead to increased strain on workers, especially if companies are unwilling to offer flexible working conditions or provide adequate support.
The French government defends the measure as necessary to control healthcare expenditures and improve system efficiency. It argues that limiting the duration of sick leave certificates will help reduce the number of long-term absences and encourage employees to return to work.
Despite the government’s defense, criticism remains. It is emphasized that a balanced solution must be found that meets both the needs of employees and the demands of the healthcare system. Close cooperation between employers, employees, and health authorities is considered essential to assess the impact of this new regulation and make adjustments if necessary.
The discussion about the limitation of sick leave certificate durations reflects the complex challenges France faces in social security and labor law. It remains to be seen how the regulation will play out in practice and whether further adjustments will be required to ensure a balanced approach between the interests of the various stakeholders.
Overall, the debate over limiting the duration of sick leave certificates highlights the need for careful consideration between healthcare system efficiency and the protection of employees’ rights and well-being.