Novas regras para as baixas e juntas médicas a partir de 1 de março
From March 1, 2024, emergency services and the private and social sectors will be able to issue temporary incapacity certificates. Patients will no longer be obliged to go to an appointment at the health center.
With the publication of Decree-Law no. 15/2024, medical certificates of multipurpose incapacity (AMIM) remain valid until a new medical assessment is carried out. To do so, proof of a request for a new medical board must be presented before the certificate expires. The new rules apply to certificates issued since January 1, 2024.
Medical boards will now be provided on the initiative of the Local Health Units (ULS), and there must be at least one medical board in each of the 39 ULS.
The rule created during the pandemic regarding cancer patients is now definitive. A minimum degree of disability of 60% is automatically assigned within five years of diagnosis, without the need for a medical board to intervene. In these cases, confirmation of incapacity and issuance of the AMIM must be made by a specialist doctor from the health unit where the diagnosis was made, other than the doctor accompanying the patient.
According to the new decree-law, congenital or other conditions that confer a degree of permanent incapacity are also exempt from a medical board, according to criteria to be defined by decree.
New rules for sick leave
Ordinance no. 11/2024 of January 18 extends the initial period of sick leave for cancer patients and victims of ischemic heart disease and stroke from 30 to 90 days, with the final decision being made by the doctor.
In post-operative situations, the time limits for the initial period and for extending sick leave are increased from 30 to 60 days.
In the event of a tuberculosis diagnosis, the initial period of leave can be extended by the doctor to 180 days.
The new rules will come into force from March 1, 2024, when sick leave can also be issued in emergency services and in the private and social sector, dispensing with the need for a consultation in primary health care for this purpose.
Source: Government Portal
