An important update concerns sick leave certificates and, in particular, the possibility of recognizing absence from work also for the day before the medical visit. The change was introduced by Inps with circular number 92 of September 4, 2026, adopted in agreement with the Ministry of Labor.
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The new provision expands a possibility that until now was only provided in the case of a home visit. The coverage of the illness for the day preceding the issuance of the certificate is in fact extended also to workers who go to the doctor’s office.
What changes for workers
The general rule remains unchanged: the sick leave certificate takes effect from the day the visit is carried out and the document is drawn up.
The novelty concerns the case in which the worker, after the onset of symptoms, manages to be seen by the doctor only the following day. In this situation, the family doctor can certify the start of the illness from the previous day, filling in the appropriate indication in the electronic certificate regarding the date from which the patient declares to be ill.
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In this way, absence from work on the day before the visit can be recognized even when the certification is issued following a visit carried out in the doctor’s office.
The limit remains one day
The possibility introduced by Inps is not without limits. The backdating can concern only one day.
If the doctor indicates as the start date of the illness a day two or more days before the visit, coverage is not recognized for the preceding days. It is therefore essential that the certification complies with the terms established by the new provision. No backdating for weekends and holidays.
