On October 24, 2023, during the regular session of the Senate of the Republic, the modification of the Federal Labor Law regarding the recognized diseases table was approved. By unanimous vote, it was agreed to amend Articles 513, 514, and 515 of the said law to expand the recognition of occupational illnesses. This legislation will incorporate 88 new pathologies, including mental disorders, women-specific diseases, and an expansion of work-related cancers. With these changes, the total number of recognized diseases will increase from 161 to 194.
Among the most prominent changes is the inclusion, for the first time, of mental disorders such as stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Diseases related to women’s health, such as infertility and endometriosis, are also added. Diseases resulting from intoxications are increased, and the group of infectious and parasitic diseases is expanded from 21 to 41, including the recognition of COVID-19.
These modifications will come into effect on the day following their publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation. Additionally, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare will have 45 days, starting from the date of publication, to develop and make public the assessment certificates for these diseases.
Furthermore, considering that the legislation had not been modified in over 53 years, the Senate approved the incorporation of a mechanism that will ensure the updating of the table at least every 5 years or when studies and research justify changes, with the approval of the Senate.
The legislative process has concluded, and only the publication of this reform in the Official Gazette of the Federation remains pending. Therefore, the labor team at Vega, Guerrero & Asociados is at your disposal to provide support in complying with and analyzing this new disease table, as well as discussing its potential implications and applications in your workplaces.
