The federal government is planning a change to the regulations regarding sick leave. Previously, employees were required to provide a medical certificate starting from the first day of illness. In the future, this should only be necessary from the third day. However, this relaxation is meeting resistance from representatives of the medical profession. Oliver Funken, a general practitioner and board member of the North Rhine Medical Association, warns of a deterioration in medical care. He fears that practices will be overwhelmed by the increased number of requests for certificates. The coalition, on the other hand, argues that the new regulation reduces bureaucracy and relieves employees. SPD leader Klingbeil emphasized that no one should be forced to drag themselves to work while sick.