The duration of work stoppages will be capped from 1 September

Initially, the duration of work stoppages was not subject to a legal cap. Now, the decree of 12 june 2026 creates Article R.162-1-7-1 of the Social Security Code which limits the duration prescribed stops and extensions as of 1^er September 2026 :

• the duration of a sick leave can no longer exceed 31 days (for the first prescription);
• each stop extension may not exceed 62 days.

The prescribing health professionals concerned are the doctors, midwives and dentists.

It will be it is possible to extend sick leave beyond the capped period if the healthcare professional considers that the employee's state of health requires it. Where they exist, the recommendations established by the High Health Authority will have to be taken into consideration.

This extension may be carried out by:

• the doctor prescribing the initial stop;
• the attending physician;
• midwife;
• the dental surgeon.

The employee can also request the extension of his work stoppage by a telemedicine act (teleconsultation, remote monitoring...) but under the strict conditions set out in paragraph 3 of Article L6316-1 of the Public Health Code.