In the debate over the sale of online sick notes, coalition health policymakers backed the family‑doctor lobby’s call for tougher rules.
Simone Borchardt, the health spokesperson for the CDU parliamentary group, told the “Rheinische Post” on Thursday that phone or video‑consultations should only be allowed for patients who are already known to the doctor. “This limits abuse-especially from anonymous online platforms-while preserving necessary care” she said.
SPD health spokesman Christos Pantazis echoed the concerns. He condemned private platforms that issue incapacity certificates without adequate medical review or a solid doctor‑patient relationship. “These models erode trust in the sick note and are incompatible with good medical care” he warned. Pantazis called for consistent sanctions against such “black sheep” operators, but added that certified telephone or video consultations would remain protected.
The German Association of General Practitioners has long demanded stricter regulation of online sick note services. Markus Beier, the association’s chair, told the “Rheinische Post” that the federal government must finally clamp down on commercial online providers. Former health minister Karl Lauterbach also backs the initiative.