Sick by the meter: The Ministry of Health reduced the period of paid sick leave from September 1

On September 1, 2025, new rules for registration of sick leave came into force in Russia. Now, with frequent requests for sick leave, the document can be issued for a maximum of three days. The extension of temporary disability will be possible only by decision of the medical commission. The new standards are designed to improve the quality of medical care and disease prevention, as well as reduce cases of abuse of social guarantees. Read more about how the new law will work in the Izvestia article.

Registration of sick leave from September 1, 2025: what has changed

Starting from Monday, September 1, 2025, an updated procedure for issuing temporary disability certificates is in effect in Russia. The main innovation is related to the number of previously issued sick days over the past six months. If a citizen has applied for sick leave four times or more during this period, a new document can be issued for a maximum of three calendar days.

Previously, doctors could issue sick leave for up to 15 days, and dentists — up to ten. The extension of temporary disability will be possible only by the decision of the medical commission, to which the attending physician will refer the patient.

Exceptions are provided for cases of caring for sick relatives, undergoing medical rehabilitation, as well as for socially significant diseases and diseases requiring renal replacement therapy. All information about previously issued sick leave is recorded in the medical documentation and analyzed by the medical commission.

According to the Ministry of Health, such a system will make it possible to better identify the causes of recurring and protracted diseases, as well as improve the quality of treatment and the effectiveness of preventive measures. It is important to note that records are kept for all sick leave without exception, regardless of the reason for the request. The innovation will be valid until September 1, 2031.

It is also important to take into account that the new rules came into force on September 1, 2025, which means that the period for accounting for sick leave began in March 2025.

How to apply for a sick leave

The procedure for applying for a sick leave has remained standard. If the patient feels unwell, he can go to the clinic or call a doctor at home. After his examination, a medical specialist draws up a conclusion and issues an electronic disability certificate.

The document is generated in the electronic system of the EIS "Sotsstrakh" and automatically sent to the Social Fund of Russia. A paper version of the leaflet is not required — a notification about the opening of a sick leave appears in the user's personal account on the Gosuslugi portal within two days.

At the same time, sick leave is issued not only for acute injuries and illnesses. It is also issued in other cases, which include quarantine, dental prosthetics in a hospital, a pregnant woman's condition that threatens the health of the fetus, as well as caring for sick children and relatives.

The duration of the sick leave is determined based on the severity of the disease, the general condition of the patient and the recommendations in cancer. There is no minimum legally fixed duration, but usually a leaflet is issued for at least three days. During outpatient treatment, the doctor has the right to issue a sick leave for up to 15 calendar days, the dentist — up to 10.

If a longer period of temporary disability is required, the decision is made by the medical commission. The Commission can extend the sick leave up to 10 months or even up to a year, but the patient is required to undergo repeated examinations every 15 days.

Pain is a tricky thing to think of: why the Ministry of Health is changing the procedure for issuing sick leave certificates

It will be valid for three days for frequently ill citizens

Why did the Ministry of Health strengthen control over sick leave

The main goal of the reform is to optimize the control system and improve the quality of medical care. Frequently issued sick leave may serve as a signal of health problems or insufficient diagnosis, experts believe.

The new system will make it possible to more effectively monitor the health status of the working population, timely identify chronic and recurring diseases and timely prescribe preventive measures, which should ultimately improve the overall health of Russians and ease the burden on medical institutions.

In addition, increased control in this area is designed to reduce the number of abuses when employees use sick leave as a way to avoid work, while reducing the period of temporary disability with multiple applications. At the same time, the innovation encourages employers and employees to actively engage in health prevention, develop corporate well-being programs and improve working conditions.

Some experts express concerns that strict time limits on sick leave may lead to people carrying illnesses "on their feet," which is fraught with complications and the spread of infections. This is especially true for chronic diseases and conditions that require long-term recovery. Therefore, doctors emphasize the importance of a well-thought-out exclusion mechanism and additional measures to support patients with serious health problems.

Despite the possible risks, the updated rules contribute to a more transparent and fair distribution of social guarantees, minimizing the risk of abuse and providing medical care to those who really need it. The success of the reform depends on the coordinated work of doctors, patients and employers, as well as on the effective organization of control and interaction. It is predicted that in the future, the updated standards should improve the quality of medical care and strengthen the health of Russians.