Decree Law No. 10-A/2021

This decree-law establishes exceptional mechanisms for the management of health professionals to carry out care activities in the context of the COVID-19 disease pandemic in the health services and establishments of the National Health Service (SNS).

Additional measures, of an extraordinary and transitory nature, applicable to the services and establishments of the SNS are defined.

These measures can only be implemented to address the exceptional and temporary increase in functions directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the respective Vaccination Plan.

Additional work by direct health care providers (doctors and nurses) as part of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is paid at a rate of 50% more than the amount of remuneration for the same period of additional work.

Nurses and operational assistants subject to the 35-hour working week scheme can, with their agreement, work a 42-hour working week.

In these cases there is a pay increase of 37% of basic pay.

Doctors may be employed by SNS health care facilities where such recruitment is essential for the provision of health care in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Retired doctors and nurses may also be employed for the same purpose. These contracts are valid for a maximum period of 12 months.

Shift work using specialist doctors and nurses (with links to the SNS) may be carried out by authorisation from the management or administration bodies of health services or establishments, on the basis of a specific remuneration model.

The normal working period, during the term of this decree-law, may be entirely allocated to activities related to the treatment of COVID-19.

This decree-law, by establishing these exceptional mechanisms for the management of health professionals to carry out their activities in the context of the COVID-19 disease pandemic:

• It ensures greater availability for care;
• It frames the additional effort of SNS professionals (direct caregivers);
• It reinforces the fight against the COVID-19 disease pandemic.

This decree-law comes into force on 3 February and is in force for 60 days from that date, with the exception of the effects arising from the exceptional hiring of doctors and nurses.