Attention to employees currently on duty sick leave. It is important to be aware of any significant change affecting them. Royal Decree No. 1060/2022, dated 27 December and published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), amending Royal Decree No. 625/2014, introduced an important innovation in the management and control of temporary disability processes.
The most striking innovation since this change is Doctors may advance medical checks for workers on sick leave. This means that the available leave may be of shorter duration than the worker might initially anticipate and this may be related to their employment status.
This change allows co-insurance companies or Public Health Service doctors to set specific review periods that are shorter than originally designated. These examinations are carried out in accordance with the estimated duration of sick leave. In this article, we will detail four situations that may occur depending on the estimated withdrawal time.According to Social Security.
1. Short Term Leave:
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If the doctor thinks that the worker will be unemployed for a short period of time, a date for the medical examination will be determined at the relevant appointment. During this review, the doctor will evaluate whether the worker still needs to be on sick leave or can return to work.
2. Medium Term Leave:
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In cases where the leave is expected to be intermittent, a second health inspection point will be established. During this review, the doctor will re-evaluate the worker’s condition and decide whether an extension of leave is necessary or whether the worker can return to work.
3. Long Term Leave:
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For long-term withdrawals, multiple review points will be established throughout the withdrawal period. These examinations allow the physician to monitor the progress of the worker’s health and make informed decisions about their ability to return to work.
4. Indefinite Leave:
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Where the duration of leave is uncertain, periodic medical examinations will be scheduled to evaluate the evolution of the worker’s condition and determine when the worker can return to work.
These changes in medical checks represent a significant change in the management of temporary disability, which may affect the duration of sick leave and employees’ return to work. It is important for employees to be aware of these new regulations and to stay in touch with their doctors and employers. Ensuring an effective transition from leave to work.