The Board of Directors of the Costa Rican Social Security Administration (CCSS) approved an amendment to Article 14 of the Regulations on the Granting of Licenses and Sick Leave, published in La Gaceta No. 128 on July 11, 2025, and effective as of that same date.

The amendment provides greater clarity regarding the activities that insured individuals may or may not engage in during sick leave periods. In general terms, the rule maintains the prohibition on carrying out remunerated or non-remunerated activities, whether academic, physical, or recreational, as well as travel within or outside the country that may compromise recovery.

However, the reform introduces significant exceptions, including:

• Physical or recreational activities recommended by the attending physician.
• International travel is expressly authorized by the attending physician.
• Basic daily life activities, such as essential shopping (groceries) or attending medical appointments.
• Attendance at judicial or labor hearings with medical authorization.
• Occupational health assessments related to potential workplace accommodations.

The reform also introduces specific rules for maternity leave: restrictions are limited to remunerated activities that undermine the purpose of such leave. If participation in these activities is detected, the CCSS will suspend the subsidy.

For extraordinary activities, prior request, explicit and voluntary consent, and advance waiver of any potential remuneration are required, subject to authorization from the Local Commission for the Evaluation of Licenses and Sick Leave.

In the case of licenses granted under Law No. 7756 (care of terminally ill patients and seriously ill minors), only activities directly related to the care of the patient under the individual’s responsibility may be carried out. Remunerated, academic, or travel-related activities not associated with caregiving are expressly excluded.

Finally, recognizing the physical and mental vulnerability of caregivers of terminally ill patients and seriously ill minors, the reform allows mental health services in the corresponding areas to define, together with the caregiver and duly recorded in the medical file, the recreational activities permitted and their duration, provided that the purpose of the license is not undermined.

At Dentons, we closely monitor these reforms, as they have practical implications for both employers and employees. Our Employment & Labor team is available to advise you on the correct application of this regulation in your company and on the management of potential contingencies.