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We hereby remind you that, as of today, Monday, October 13, 2025, Executive Decree No. 17 of 2025, issued by the Ministry of Health (MINSA), has entered into force. This decree was published in the Official Digital Gazette No. 30341-A on August 11, 2025. The new regulatory framework aims to formalize and establish the conditions for the issuance of medical leave certificates, introducing a formal procedure for the verification of authenticity within the Republic of Panama. It also grants legal viability to digital medical leave certificates, in alignment with technological advancements and the evolving needs of the healthcare system.
Below are the key provisions of the new decree:
- Requirements for Issuance of Medical Leave Certificates: A medical history and a copy of the certificate must be recorded in the patient’s file, documenting the care provided and the diagnosis or condition justifying the leave. The certificate must include continuous and sequential numbering, clearly indicate the start and end date and time of the leave, be issued by a licensed physician, include the physician’s registration number, and specify the full name, address, and telephone number of the issuing institution, clinic, or hospital.
- Employer’s Authority: In cases of doubt regarding the authenticity of a medical leave certificate, the employer may request its validation before MINSA through its Regional Health Directorates, in coordination with the Social Security Fund (CSS), if applicable.
- Requirements for Validation Requests: The validation request must include specific information such as the general details of the requester, personal data of the incapacitated individual and the certificate issuer (including the name of the institution or establishment where the certificate was issued, exact location, telephone number, among others), and must be accompanied by the original or certified copy of the medical certificate. This requirement is mandatory for official recognition of medical leave.
- Official Form: A standardized form for the verification of authenticity has been established, to be completed by qualified technical personnel from the corresponding Regional Health Directorate during the inspection and information gathering process. A copy of the completed form will be provided to the authorized personnel of the inspected health facility.
- Medical Audits: The validation process may include medical audits and technical reviews, particularly in cases where the accuracy or relevance of the diagnosis is questioned.
- Sanctions: Administrative sanctions are contemplated for those who issue certificates that fail to meet the criteria set forth in the decree. If a potentially unlawful criminal act is identified, the case will be referred to the National Legal Advisory Office of the Ministry of Health (MINSA) for appropriate proceedings.
- Special Procedure for Judicial Cases: A special procedure has been established for the verification of medical leave certificates submitted to judges as justification for absence from hearings. The corresponding Regional Health Directorate shall have a maximum of thirty (30) business days from receipt of the judicial request to report the results of the verification to the judicial office.
This new procedure represents a significant step toward the formalization and oversight of medical leave certifications in the country. It is therefore essential that all companies with concerns regarding the authenticity of medical leave certificates presented to them follow the procedure established in this decree to validate such documentation.
For more information, please contact our Labor & Employment Law team: