Obtaining sick leave after a teleconsultation is now more regulated. Since the entry into force of the law of June 25, 2026, the duration of these stops is limited to three days in the majority of situations. A measure which is part of strengthening the fight against social and tax fraud.
Teleconsultation no longer allows long-term downtime
The rules are changing for sick leave prescribed via teleconsultation. Since June 27, 2026, in application of Law No. 2026-534 of June 25, 2026 relating to the fight against social and tax fraud, a healthcare professional can no longer prescribe a work stoppage of more than three days remotely in most cases.
This maximum duration concerns the entire stop, whether it is a first prescription or a renewal.
However, exceptions are provided. This limit does not apply when the cessation is prescribed or renewed by the patient’s treating physician or by their referring midwife. An exemption is also provided when it is impossible for the patient to consult a healthcare professional in person, even if the precise terms of this impossibility remain to be clarified.
Patient obligations remain the same
If the prescription conditions change, patients’ procedures remain unchanged.
The employee always has 48 hours to report their work stoppage to their primary health insurance fund (CPAM) and their employer. During the period of the shutdown, he may also be subject to a home presence check.
Another new feature introduced by the law: in the event of a change of address during work stoppage, for example to stay with a relative, the patient must now inform their CPAM.
Finally, it is now clarified that sick leave cannot be prescribed via teleconsultation by a healthcare professional working mainly abroad.
Reinforced supervision of work stoppages
These new provisions are part of a more general tightening of the rules relating to work stoppages.
From September 1, 2026, a first work stoppage prescription will be capped at 31 days, while a renewal cannot exceed 62 days.
These measures are presented by the Public Service – Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister) as a reinforcement of the actions taken against social and tax fraud, in accordance with article 49 of law no. 2026-534 of June 25, 2026.