Mass inspections in Poland. They can come home. Who should be on guard? | Warsaw in a nutshell

The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) has intensified its inspections of sick leave to detect possible abuses. In accordance with the obligation imposed by law, ZUS regularly verifies both employees using the so-called L4, as well as the doctors who issue these sick leaves. If any irregularities are detected, ZUS may suspend the payment of benefits or even demand their return.

According to reports from “Rzeczpospolita”, over 117,000 tests were carried out in the first quarter of this year alone. such inspections, which is an increase of 5% compared to the previous quarter. This also resulted in a 7% increase in the number of withheld sickness benefits. Irregularities were detected not only among employees, but also among doctors – the Ministry of Health identified 700 medics who issued over 30 sick leaves a day in the first quarter. In response to this, the Ministry of Health plans to introduce a minimum time necessary to conduct a medical interview.

Employers also have the power to control sick leave. They can check whether employees are properly using L4, for which the company pays sick pay. This possibility is provided for in Art. 92 of the Labor Code.

Companies that register more than 20 insured persons for sickness insurance can control the correct use of sick leave, for which they pay sickness and care benefits as well as rehabilitation benefits. In turn, employers employing fewer than 20 insured persons may apply to the local ZUS branch to conduct such an inspection.

This increased surveillance activity is a warning to those who may try to misuse the sick leave system. Both employees and doctors should be prepared for the possibility of scrutiny and make sure that their actions are fully legal.

A linguist and English translator by profession. In the editorial office from the very beginning. He loves cats and Warsaw.