A new illness included in SSM: medical leave and allowances

A new draft law in Romania could bring important changes for employees who suffer from physical and mental exhaustion from the workplace, known as “burnout.” The proposal provides for the recognition of burnout as an occupational disease, which would allow access to sick leave, psychological counseling and the possibility of reducing working time for those affected.

According to the initiator of the project, Senator Irineu Darău, the diagnosis would be carried out by specialists in occupational medicine, with the confirmation of the Directorate of Public Health (DSP). Depending on the severity of the case, the DSP and the psychologist would determine the length of medical leave needed for recovery. This proposal comes in response to the increase in mental health problems caused by overwork in the workplace and aims to provide legal protection and support to employees affected by burnout.

If passed, the bill could be a significant step in recognizing work-related mental health issues and providing greater support for employees.

“341. (1) The doctor or psychologist who suspects professional burnout, in the sense of art. 5 letter s), sends the patient to the occupational medicine health unit, respectively the occupational medicine clinic/section or the occupational medicine office within the hospital structure, in order to establish the diagnosis of occupational burnout.

(2) The occupational medicine specialist in the occupational medicine clinic/section or the occupational medicine cabinet in the hospital structure establishes the presumptive diagnosis of professional exhaustion.

(3) within 30 days from the receipt of the professional burnout notification form sent by the doctor referred to in paragraph (2), the occupational medicine specialist from the county public health department or the Bucharest municipality, confirms or denies the burnout professional by minutes”.

Leave and allowances

A very important aspect: employees diagnosed with burnout will benefit from paid sick leave, similar to sick leave for occupational accidents. The first three days of leave will be covered by the employer, and from the fourth day on, by the insurance system.