Long-term condition: you can now declare a nurse referral

This new system, set up in May 2026, concerns patients in long-term condition (ALD) so-called exempt. These are ALDs requiring prolonged treatment and particularly expensive therapy, covered at most by the reimbursement by the Health Insurance (exemption from user fees).

The role of the referring nurse

A decree of 22 May 2026 defines the tasks of the referring nurse. It plays a role of coordination of patient care. He is the link between the various health professionals involved in his care journey, including the attending physician and health and medico-social institutions. It is required to feed the patient's shared medical record (DMP) and to record all the data necessary for its follow-up.

Who can declare a nurse referral?

The appointment of the nurse referent is based on the free choice of the patient and the agreement of the practitioner.

The device is open:

• patients 16 years of age or older with exonerating ALD;
• the rights holders, under the same conditions;
• minors, with the agreement of at least one holder of parental authority.

How to declare a nurse referent?

The declaration shall be made at a face-to-face visit. You fill with the chosen practitioner the paper form Declaration of Choice of a Nurse Referrer. This document is co-signed between you (or your representative) and the nurse. The nurse will then send the paper form by post to your French primary health insurance fund (CPAM).

Remember to plan 3 copies for this form: one for you, one for the nurse and one for the CPAM.