Decree no. 2026-498 of 12 June 2026
A decree of 12 June 2026 implementing the 2026 Social Security Financing Act (loi de financement de la sécurité sociale, Law no. 2025-1403 of 30 December 2025) sets maximum durations for sick leave certificates that give rise to daily social security benefits (indemnités journalières, IJSS). A doctor, dentist or midwife may now prescribe a work stoppage for no more than :
- 31 days for an initial prescription ; and
- 62 days for a renewal.
Prescribers may exceed these ceilings where they justify a longer period on the certificate itself, in light of the patient’s situation and, where they exist, the recommendations of the national health authority (Haute Autorité de Santé).
The new limits apply to prescriptions and renewals issued from 1 September 2026.
