[REVISION HISTORY]
German sick leave reform and doctor reimbursement updates
Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.
What changed
2026-09-30 00:19 UTC → 2026-10-09 11:53 UTC ·
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The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is pursuing plans to tighten sick leave regulations by requiring employees to provide a medical certificate from the first day of illness. The proposal aims to reduce workplace absenteeism and address economic competitive disadvantages. While video consultations may remain an option, the plan would eliminate the ability to issue certificates via telephone. Implementation details, such as whether certificates must be submitted immediately or can be provided retroactively, are still being finalized. The proposal has drawn criticism from medical professionals and political opposition. The State Medical Association of Thuringia warned that the mandate could result in ‘additional doctor contacts without supply benefit,’ potentially overwhelming acute care services. Labor Minister Bärbel Bas has also expressed concerns regarding the potential strain on medical practices. In a related development regarding healthcare policy, the governing coalition—comprising the Union and SPD—has reached an agreement to abolish the ‘fixed cost degression’ for general practitioners and pediatricians. This measure, part of the GKV Contribution Rate Stabilization Act (BStabG), would have reduced reimbursements for practices with high patient volumes. The correction aims to prevent a reduction in medical services and is expected to be finalized by October to take effect before January 1, 2027. Under current regulations, employees must notify employers immediately of an inability Adding legal complexity to work. Although the system has transitioned to use of digital medical documentation, the Hamm State Labor Court recently ruled that submitting an electronic online sick note (eAU), employees remain legally obligated obtained without any medical consultation can lead to personally notify their employers of their illness. summary dismissal. The court determined that certificates issued solely through automated questionnaires, without personal, telephone, or digital contact with a physician, constitute ‘intentional deception.’
Versions
- 2026-10-09 11:53 UTC German sick leave reform and doctor reimbursement updates
- 2026-09-30 00:19 UTC German sick leave reform and doctor reimbursement updates
- 2026-09-29 09:48 UTC German sick leave policy and reform debates
- 2026-09-29 07:51 UTC German sick leave policy and reform debates
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