Medical sick leave duration to be limited starting September 1

Saturday 13 June 2026 - 10:45

France will introduce new regulations limiting the duration of medical sick leave prescriptions starting from September 1, according to an official decree published in the government’s legal journal.

Under the new rules, an initial sick leave prescription will be limited to a maximum of 31 days, while extensions will be capped at 62 days. These limits will apply to all healthcare professionals authorized to issue medical leave, including doctors, midwives, and dentists.

Previously, there was no legally defined maximum duration for sick leave, although medical guidelines existed for certain conditions. The reform is part of broader measures included in France’s 2026 social security financing law, aimed at better regulating absenteeism and controlling rising healthcare costs.

The government had originally proposed shorter limits, but lawmakers ultimately approved a standardized one-month initial cap before adoption. Authorities have stated that exceptions may still apply depending on the patient’s medical condition.

The reform comes amid sustained high levels of workplace absenteeism in France, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies indicate that sick leave durations have increased, especially among certain professional groups, with mental health-related absences becoming more common.

Officials have also expressed concern over the financial impact on the national social security system, with sickness-related payments estimated to cost billions of euros annually and continuing to rise.

Additional regulations published alongside the decree also set limits on compensation for workplace accidents and occupational illnesses starting in 2027.