New paper form required for sick leave in health matters

Fraud related to sick leave represents a major challenge for Social Security and all health sector stakeholders. In response to a noticeable increase in fake leave cases, notably with a financial prejudice estimated at over 30 million euros in 2024, Health Insurance has taken decisive action to strengthen the documentary security of sick leave certificates. This critical context has led to the implementation of a new secure and certified paper Cerfa form, whose use will become mandatory starting July 2025, with a grace period until September. This measure aims not only to ensure document authenticity but also to protect employees’ rights, the interests of health mutuals, and the credibility of the public health system.

Alongside the development of digital transmission tools, particularly via Ameli and the Primary Health Insurance Fund (CPAM), this new form represents a significant evolution, especially for situations where electronic use is impossible. This change will directly impact healthcare professionals, employers, and insured individuals, requiring quick adaptation and better consideration of the new security constraints.

This system, defined by decree n°2025-587 of June 28, 2025, introduces a precise technical specifications framework, incorporating anti-fraud elements and secure marking. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) and the Ministry of Health support this reform to ensure a smooth transition for all involved parties. The following synthetic information explores in detail the implications, characteristics, and application procedures of the new paper sick leave form, marking a key turning point in the administrative management of sick leaves and other health-related absences.

The fundamental reasons for the reform of the paper sick leave form

Combating fraud in sick leave constitutes a major challenge for Social Security and, more broadly, for the Public Service. In 2024, detected fraud skyrocketed, with a financial loss exceeding 30 million euros, compared to 8 million in 2023, according to the Primary Health Insurance Fund (CPAM). This significant increase is largely attributed to the sale of fake sick leaves online and via social networks, as pointed out by various experts and official agencies.

Faced with this critical situation, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Health Insurance, has decided to adopt a determined approach aimed at further securing the documents used in the context of sick leaves and related health absences. The new, now certified, paper Cerfa form incorporates several sophisticated features designed to counter fraudulent practices while maintaining ease of use for healthcare professionals and employees.

The limitations of previous paper forms

• Ease of copying and falsification 📄
• Acceptance of scanned or photocopied versions, without guaranteed authenticity 🖨️
• Possible signature and stamp usurpation, with significant financial consequences 💸
• Major difficulties faced by CPAM in controlling and validating these documents 👓
• Loss of trust between healthcare professionals, employers, and insurance bodies

These vulnerabilities necessitated the development of a form adhering to reinforced standards, difficult to falsify, allowing both rigorous verification and integration into existing automated administrative processes. This addresses a key objective: significantly reducing the risk of fraud on sick leaves.

A renewed legislative and regulatory framework

• Decree n°2025-587 of June 28, 2025, mandating the implementation of the new certified Cerfa form 🏛️
• Effective obligation starting July 1, 2025, with a grace period until September 1 🚨
• Prohibition of previous versions, as well as non-compliant prints, scans, and photocopies 📅
• Enhanced controls by the Health Insurance Funds and improved traceability 🕵️‍♂️
• Encouragement of tele-service via Ameli for professionals capable of electronic transmission 🌐

Note that these measures are part of a broader effort to improve the management and authenticity of sick leaves. Accordingly, the Ministry of Health calls for close coordination between General Practitioners, ARS, CPAM, and employers to support the implementation of these new procedures.

The technical characteristics of the new secure Cerfa form

The introduction of the secure Cerfa form for paper sick leaves marks a major step forward in the fight against fraud. This certified document is designed to be difficult to duplicate, incorporating several technical features that guarantee its authenticity. These modalities are specifically defined by Health Insurance and validated by the Ministry of Health.

The security elements integrated into the paper form

• Printed on special paper: this paper contains fibers and a textured finish that are hard to reproduce identically to prevent fraudulent copies.
• Holographic label: a hologram dot providing visible protection, difficult to counterfeit.
• Magnetic ink: embedded in certain areas, enabling secure electronic recognition and preventing reproduction by traditional colorimetry.
• Clear and secure identification of the prescriber: the General Practitioner must include personal identification elements, such as a professional number, to facilitate verifications.
• A unique serial number: each form has a unique identifier to trace authenticity and usage, linked with CPAM databases.

This combination of features allows increased control by Health Insurance organizations. Manual processing is made safer, and priority use of transmission via Ameli remains recommended where possible to enhance security.

Availability and distribution of the new paper forms

The form is only accessible through orders from CPAM services or via the amelipro platform, dedicated to healthcare professionals. This measure strictly controls distribution to limit the risk of misuse.

• Centralized orders via amelipro by healthcare establishments or offices
• Distribution under the supervision of Regional Health Agencies (ARS) and Primary Health Insurance Funds (CPAM)
• Handing over to authorized healthcare professionals for distribution to patients requiring paper sick leave
• Training and informing doctors to properly understand the use of this new form

This organization ensures better stock and flow management of forms, limiting uncontrolled access and strengthening system security. ARS examples highlight the territorial coordination necessary for the success of this policy.

Impact on healthcare professionals and employers regarding the new sick leave form

The deployment of the new paper form substantially modifies the practices of General Practitioners, administrative services, and employers. These actors must adapt to a strengthened framework with clear objectives: document reliability and active fraud prevention.

Implications for prescribing physicians

• Mandatory use of the new secure Cerfa paper form when electronic transmission is impossible
• Need to source forms via amelipro or local CPAM
• Strict adherence to filling instructions to avoid invalidation
• Anticipating stock shortages in coordination with ARS and healthcare facilities
• Enhanced role in fighting fraudulent practices, with increased responsibility

Implications for employers and HR departments

Companies and their HR departments must now:

• Accept only sick leave certificates with the new secure Cerfa form
• Reject promptly scanned, photocopied, or non-compliant older versions
• Update internal verification procedures in collaboration with CPAM and health mutuals
• Train and sensitize staff to recognize non-conforming documents
• Ensure compliance with legal deadlines for reporting absences to Social Security

This framework helps prevent fraud and facilitates proper management of health-related absences, fostering trust among employees, employers, and social agencies. It also contributes to optimizing absence management via specific training modules on extension and duration, available on platforms like Aide BTS Assurance.

Combatting fraud related to sick leave with the new secure form

Fraud concerning sick leave has increased in recent years, with organized networks exploiting weaknesses in old paper forms. The rise of illicit digital platforms selling fake sick leave certificates prompted an urgent spotlight on this phenomenon by CPAM and Social Security.

Recent fraud figures and mechanisms detected

Year 📅	Estimated loss (in M€) 💶	Main fraud channel 🔎	Key consequences
2023	8	Social networks and internet	Moderate increase, raised awareness
2024	30+	Online platforms for fake certificates	Major crisis, reinforced measures

In response to this situation, Health Insurance prioritized the implementation of strict corrective measures, including the adoption of a paper form that is difficult to misuse. This proactive choice is praised by health sector stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of this tool in the fight against identity theft and document falsification.

Additional tools to limit fraud

• Prioritization of transmission of sick leave via Ameli, identified as the most secure method 🌐
• Enhanced controls of documents received by CPAM and health mutuals 🕵️‍♂️
• Training physicians on best practices for issuing validated sick leaves ✔️
• Awareness campaigns within companies and among employees 📢
• Close collaboration with law enforcement to detect illicit networks

This coordinated system is essential to reverse this upward trend and maintain the financial viability of the healthcare system while safeguarding insured individuals’ legitimate rights.

Practical procedures for using the new paper sick leave form

The procedures for using the new secure Cerfa form are clearly outlined by Health Insurance and CPAM. Transition involves a period of adaptation, but also specific instructions to ensure the validity of paper sick leave notices.

Specific cases for using the paper form

• Home consultations when electronic transmission is unfeasible or technically difficult 🏠
• Patients without access to necessary digital tools for electronic transmission
• Emergency situations or connectivity issues in rural or remote areas 🌄
• Punctual cases making digital transmission technically impossible
• Explicit requests from certain insured individuals preferring paper documents for personal reasons

Procedures for transmission and validation by CPAM

Step 🏷️	Detailed description	Responsible 🧑‍⚕️
Filling out the form	Must include all prescribed elements, with signature and the General Practitioner’s number	General Practitioner
Handing to the patient	The patient receives the original secure paper	Doctor
Sending to the employer	The patient transmits the document to their employer within legal deadlines	Insured
Transmission to CPAM	The employer or insured must send the form to the insurance fund	Insured or employer
Verification and registration	CPAM verifies validity using integrated security elements and records the leave	CPAM

These precise procedures prevent unjustified rejections and ensure proper recording of absences, facilitating smooth administrative processing for insured individuals, employers, and healthcare professionals. To learn more about all the procedures related to sick leave, consult resources provided by the Public Service and Ameli.

Legal consequences and sanctions associated with fraudulent use of sick leave

The discovery of a fake sick leave has serious repercussions for the employee as well as involved professionals. Health Insurance and Social Security, in coordination with judicial authorities, have established a strict legal framework to reinforce penalties for offenses related to falsified documents.

Main sanctions provided

• Suspension of daily allowances in case of credible suspicion of fraud 💰
• Legal proceedings potentially leading to fines or imprisonment for using false documents 🏛️
• Disciplinary sanctions within the company, potentially including dismissal for serious misconduct
• Obligation to reimburse improperly received benefits from CPAM
• Loss of certain social rights for repeat offenders

Beyond sanctions, these measures demonstrate the health authorities’ commitment to uphold trust in the system and protect the legitimate interests of insured individuals. They also highlight the importance for General Practitioners and employers to understand the new constraints well to avoid administrative complications.

Control procedures during sick leaves

• Implementation of regular checks by CPAM, especially targeting high-risk cases
• Use of field investigations and reinforced medical inspections by ARS
• Use of digital technologies to analyze sick leave elements and detect anomalies
• Cooperation between health mutuals and Social Security to cross-check information
• Reporting to judicial authorities for proven fraud

These procedures are essential to ensure exemplary health management. Note that dedicated training sessions are offered to General Practitioners and health sector professionals to prevent errors and fraud in issuing sick leaves.

Developments and future perspectives for digital and paper management of sick leaves

In light of fraud issues, Health Insurance strongly encourages digitization, particularly through online services like Ameli. However, coexistence with the secure paper form remains a necessary balance given the various constraints encountered on the ground.

Advances in digitizing sick leave handling

• Gradual expansion of teletransmission by healthcare professionals
• Improvements to digital platforms to simplify and secure exchanges between General Practitioners, patients, employers, and CPAM
• Development of artificial intelligence to identify online fraud through detection algorithms
• Ongoing training for users on best digital practices
• Real-time reporting of anomalies via an integrated system connecting mutual health funds, CPAM, and the Ministry of Health

The challenges of maintaining the secure paper form

Despite the growth of digital solutions, several situations require the use of paper documents, especially in regions where digital access is limited or during unforeseen circumstances. This persistence ensures universal access to rights and continuity of care without administrative barriers.

The Ministry of Health, with support from ARS, is working toward a gradual harmonization of transmission modes to achieve optimized management of sick leaves while maintaining rigorous fraud prevention. This dual-system approach remains a priority in upcoming healthcare reform initiatives.

Practical information for insured individuals and frequently asked questions about the new sick leave form

For insured individuals, understanding the new procedures for transmitting paper sick leaves, the required modalities, and potential risks associated with non-compliance is essential. Communication from Health Insurance and the Public Service aims to facilitate this transition with clear rules.

Tips for properly using the new form

• Verify that the paper form is original, with all security elements visible ✅
• Do not accept photocopies or scans for sick leave certificates ❌
• Respect transmission deadlines to employers and CPAM ⏳
• In case of doubt, contact the Primary Health Insurance Fund or consult Ameli for verification
• Prioritize transmission via Ameli when possible to enhance digital security

Answers to common questions

Question ❓	Answer ✅
What should I do if I receive a paper form before September 1, 2025?	Non-compliant forms should be rejected by the employer and CPAM, except for grace periods during summer 2025.
Can I transmit a scanned copy of the sick leave to my employer?	No, only the original version of the new secure paper form is accepted.
How can I obtain the new certified Cerfa form?	The form is accessible through request from the General Practitioner or via CPAM distribution channels.
Is transmission via Ameli mandatory?	It remains highly recommended and is the most secure method but not mandatory.
What risks does an employee face if presenting a fake sick leave?	The employee faces severe sanctions, including loss of benefits and criminal prosecution.

These useful insights facilitate adaptation to the new reform and help reassure insured individuals regarding the security and acknowledgment of their rights. Numerous official guides are available online on Ameli and on the Public Service website.

Source: entreprendre.service-public.fr