In a key shift for workers on temporary disability, the administration will handle the submission of medical leave documents. Beginning this January, employees on sick leave will not need to send reports or paperwork to their employers. The government approved this change in a 2022 cabinet decision, and the regulatory update is awaiting publication in the Official State Gazette to become active. The goal is to streamline procedures and reduce the burden on both workers and the administration by moving paperwork into electronic channels.
Previously, a worker on temporary disability faced a three day window counted from the doctor issuing the certificate to deliver the report to the employer. Delays in submitting documents could lead to managerial sanctions, up to possible dismissal. This created pressure on employees who sometimes faced barriers in meeting deadlines or navigating the process within a tight timeframe.
With the new rules set to take effect in the coming days, a single copy of the sick leave certificate will suffice when the doctor issues it. The government indicated that after the ministerial meeting, the Social Security system will remove both the second copy and the obligation for the worker to deliver any copy to the company or the responsible body. The aim is to cut bureaucracy and simplify procedures through telematic and automated methods, shifting the handling of these tasks to the administration itself.
Submitting medical leave paperwork has often been a headache, especially when the reason for disability is severe and the three day deadline is hard to meet. Employees can designate relatives, friends, or a legal representative to submit documents on their behalf, but a lack of familiarity with the rules has frequently complicated these efforts. The change seeks to reduce confusion and provide clearer, automated processes for all parties involved.
The reform also touches on protections for workers and practical steps for employers. In the past, some companies could interpret delays as grounds for disciplinary actions or even termination, with the company needing authorization to manage the situation and access social benefits. The new automated system aims to prevent improper penalties by ensuring timely and accurate notification through centralized channels.
Under the updated framework, the entire procedure moves toward automation. Workers on temporary disability will not have to worry about managing reports, as the system will handle the communications and storage of records. If a leave extends or is renewed due to ongoing disability, the Social Security administration will notify the employer at each renewal, reducing administrative back-and-forth. This shift promises to lighten the administrative load for both workers and organizations and to provide clearer timelines for all involved.
Overall, the change represents a move toward a more digital and efficient approach to managing temporary disability leave. By removing redundant copies and centralizing reporting through electronic channels, the government aims to improve accessibility and reduce the risk of penalties associated with late submissions. The policy is designed to support workers while maintaining clear communication with employers and the social security system, ultimately creating a smoother experience for the workforce during periods of illness or recovery.