Medical Remote Work | Conditions and Procedures

Updated in June.

How is medical remote work set up?

Do you want to learn more about medical remote work? Remote working can be authorized by the employer on a medical prescription from the occupational health doctor after assessing the employee’s state of health. However, medical remote work is subject to certain conditions and imposes obligations on the employer. This article sheds light on everything you need to know about remote working for health reasons. From the process of setting up medical remote work to the impact of remote work on employee well-being, you will learn all your rights and duties in the matter.

Conditions for implementing medical remote work

Serious medical reasons

Any employee with a serious medical reason may benefit from medical remote work provided that the position is compatible with remote work. Valid medical reasons include:

• Employees with a disability or suffering from chronic illnesses;
• Pregnant women at risk;
• Employees in convalescence after an operation;
• Vulnerable employees (epidemic context);
• Employees under heavy medical treatment;
• Employees with psychological disorders;
• Accidental injuries.

💡Good to know: medical remote work allows you to keep working despite your health issues. It does not replace sick leave.

Specific conditions in the private sector

In the private sector, remote work is defined by article L4624-3 of the French Labor Code, which gives the occupational health doctor the power to recommend adjustments to the workstation according to the employee's state of health. Formal remote work "on prescription" does not exist as such.

Specific conditions in the public sector

In the public sector, medical remote work is regulated by Decree No. 2016-151 of February 11, 2016. It stipulates that remote work must be granted on recommendation of the occupational health doctor if the employee’s state of health justifies it. For pregnant women, the decree authorizes remote work as of the third trimester. The remote work period is set at 5 days per week for a maximum of 6 months, renewable once.

💡Good to know: an employee helping a sick, disabled, or elderly relative can also benefit from remote work or caregiver leave since the law of July 19, 2023.

The steps for setting up medical remote work

Medical remote work can be implemented either at the employee's request or on the occupational health doctor's recommendation. In both cases, the procedure must include the following 4 steps:

1. Check with your company: review your company's collective agreement and check for a clause allowing remote work. Also, ask your staff representative.
2. Make an appointment with occupational health: only occupational health is authorized to judge whether remote work is necessary after assessing your health.
3. Obtain a remote work prescription: occupational health drafts a prescription specifying the medical reasons, duration, and remote work arrangements. It is confidential and sent by registered letter to your company.
4. Inform your employer: if it’s for occasional remote work or already covered by a collective agreement, a simple email is enough. For full-time or long-term remote work, inform them by registered letter to support the occupational health doctor’s conclusions.

Example of a letter for your employer:

“Subject: Request for the implementation of medical remote work

Dear Sir or Madam,

Following my consultation with the occupational health doctor on December 5, 2022, I am requesting the possibility of working remotely from February 1, 2023, for health reasons.

In accordance with articles L1222-9 to L1222-11 of the Labor Code and the recommendations of occupational health, it would be preferable for me to carry out my duties from home to protect my well-being.

I thank you in advance for considering my request. I remain at your disposal for any further discussion if necessary.

Awaiting your response, please accept, Sir or Madam, my respectful greetings.

Signature”

The employer’s obligations for medical remote work

When the employer authorizes medical remote work, they must adapt the employee’s remote workstation. This may include providing ergonomic chairs and desks, for example, to guarantee safety. The employer must maintain the same rights for the employee as in the workplace (salary maintenance, equal treatment, etc.). The employer must comply with recommendations provided by occupational health and perform regular follow-ups with the employee. Non-compliance with these provisions may result in civil and criminal liability for the employer.

💡Good to know: the employer may refuse remote work in the absence of medical recommendation, if they can justify the position is not compatible with remote work or if it represents a risk for the company's continuity. If such proof is not provided, the employee may take legal action.

Focus: medical remote work, a challenge for well-being at work

Medical remote work, in addition to benefitting people experiencing health problems, also promotes their well-being. Since its widespread adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has clearly demonstrated its effects on employee productivity, reducing absenteeism, and staff retention. Companies have taken advantage of these benefits to improve their employer brand and attract more new talent to their teams.

💡Good to know: according to a study by Owl Labs, nearly 54% of employees feel more creative working remotely than in-person in 2025.

Medical remote work in the public sector: step-by-step process

Medical remote work for health reasons in the public sector is governed by Decree No. 2016-151. Here is the procedure if you are a public sector employee (state, territorial or hospital):

1. Check with your administration: verify whether a remote work agreement or charter already exists in your organisation.
2. Book an appointment with occupational health: only the occupational health doctor can recommend medical remote work after assessing your health condition.
3. Obtain the prescription: it specifies the duration (up to 6 months, renewable once), schedule (up to 5 days/week) and required workplace adjustments.
4. Send it to your public employer: registered letter for full-time or long-term remote work, together with occupational health recommendations.
5. Adapt the remote workstation: the administration must provide suitable equipment (ergonomic chair, screen, connection) and ensure regular follow-up.

FAQ — medical remote work in the public sector

Who is entitled to medical remote work in the public sector?

Any public sector employee whose health condition justifies it (chronic illness, disability, at-risk pregnancy, convalescence) and whose role is compatible with remote work, on recommendation of the occupational health doctor.

How long does medical remote work last in the public sector?

Up to 6 months full-time (5 days/week), renewable once, under the 2016 decree. The exact duration is set by the occupational health prescription.

Can a public employer refuse medical remote work?

Yes, only if it can justify that the role is incompatible with remote work or that it poses a risk to public service continuity. Without valid grounds, the refusal can be challenged.

Another scheme worth knowing about: if your role exposes you to difficult conditions (noise, extreme temperatures, night work), you may also be eligible for the workplace hardship allowance, a separate scheme addressing similar workplace health protection concerns.

Key points to remember

You now know how medical remote work works. Here are the main points to remember:

1. The use of medical remote work must be justified by a serious medical reason such as chronic illnesses, disability, accidents, or severe psychological disorders.
2. Medical remote work can only be recommended by occupational health after assessing the employee’s health.
3. The process for implementing remote work includes making an appointment with the occupational health doctor and sending the medical prescription to the employer.
4. The employer authorizing remote work must adapt the remote workstation and ensure regular follow-up in line with occupational health recommendations.
5. The spread of remote work has contributed to the wider well-being of employees, helping to boost their performance.

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