Today's telemedicine solutions make it possible to do many things without leaving the house - including obtaining sick leave. As of December 2018, e-clearance is available, so that the employee does not have to deliver the sick leave to their employer in person. The entire process takes place online and the doctor issues an electronic sick leave (e-ZLA), handling the paperwork electronically.
What is an e-call?
The e-leave, like the traditional paper leave, confirms the employee's inability to work due to illness. The employer, on the basis of this document, is obliged to pay the employee sick pay. This is usually 80% of the standard salary, although in certain cases, such as pregnancy or accidents at work, the employee may receive the full salary. Who pays sick pay depends on the number of employees employed and the type of employment contract.
Employee rights during sick leave
Any employee covered by health insurance who has received sick leave is entitled to sick pay or sickness benefits. However, being on sick leave also entails complying with the doctor's instructions and the restrictions imposed by the illness. The main purpose of sick leave is to recover quickly, so undertaking other activities, such as gainful employment or recreational outings, can lead to negative consequences.
While on sick leave, the employee should follow the doctor's instructions and usually stay at home. Failure to do so, such as leaving home without justification or taking on extra work, can lead to sanctions such as loss of entitlement to sick pay or even dismissal.
Employer's obligations in respect of e-credits
E-discharge has significantly simplified the process of informing employers about incapacity. Thanks to the electronic system, the employer receives automatic notification that the sick leave has been issued, eliminating the need to deliver the document in person. The employer is obliged to pay wages in accordance with the applicable legislation and to respect the employee's rights in relation to his or her sick leave.
Additional information can be obtained by using the medical e-consultation, which is available at any time.
