German Health Ministry Reviews Telephone Sick Leave RegulationsTue 20th Jan, 2026The Federal Ministry of Health in Germany is currently reassessing the existing rules regarding the issuance of sick notes via telephone. This move comes amid growing discussions within the government and among stakeholders about the impact of telephone-based sick leave on the national absence rate. Health Minister Nina Warken announced that a comprehensive evaluation of the telephone sick leave policy is underway. Healthcare professionals and insurance providers have contributed to the debate by observing that there is no clear evidence linking telephone sick leave to a significant rise in overall absenteeism. The Health Ministry's current review will assess the effectiveness, accessibility, and risks associated with telephone-based sick leave.

Source: The Munich Eye January 20, 2026 18:00 UTC