Chairman Blumenthal-Beier expressed concerns regarding the unmanageable bureaucracy that would accompany the new rules, which would also eliminate the option for doctors to issue certificates via telephone. The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians described the changes as unreasonable, emphasizing that sick individuals should rest rather than visit overcrowded clinics. The VdK social association criticized the government’s implication that citizens exploit the welfare system. Despite the government’s rationale, citing an increase in sick leave, companies may opt to forgo requiring a medical certificate from the first day.