Colombia: New Guidelines for Occupational Medical Evaluations Announced

On April 29th of this year, the Ministry of Labour issued the resolution to update the regulatory framework for occupational medical evaluations to strengthen workplace health and safety.

Key Elements of Resolution 1843 of 2025

The new regulation covers the management and content of medical records and apply to all workers nationwide, regardless of their economic sector, type of employment relationship, or affiliation with the General Occupational Risk System. Key highlights include:

 

• Mandatory and periodic evaluations: Employers must conduct occupational medical evaluations at various stages of the employment relationship, including pre-employment, periodic follow-ups, upon termination, after medical leave, during job relocation, and other situations that may impact workers’ health. Unless technical considerations justify a different frequency, these evaluations must be carried out at least every three years. Employers must cover the cost of occupational medical evaluations and any supplementary tests (scheduled during working hours). Employers must implement any recommended workplace adjustments within a maximum of 20 working days.

 

• Confidentiality and management of medical records: Occupational health service providers must ensure the confidentiality of medical information by securely and adequately handling occupational medical records.

 

• Obligations of the ARL (Labour Risk Insurance Companies, by its initials in Spanish): ARLs must provide technical support and training to affiliated companies to ensure compliance with the provisions of this resolution.

 

• Specific prohibitions: Employers are prohibited from requiring pregnancy or HIV testing as a condition for hiring or continued employment, except in cases where there are specific, proven, or potential occupational risks that justify such testing.

 

Derogation of Previous Regulations

Resolution 1843 of 2025 derogates Resolutions 2346 of 2007, 1918 of 2009, 1075 of 1992, and 4050 of 1994, consolidating and updating Colombia’s regulatory framework and governing occupational medical evaluations.

This resolution represents a significant advancement in occupational health protection in Colombia. Through this, the Ministry of Labour reinforces its commitment to fostering a culture of prevention and shared responsibility among employers, entities within the occupational risk system, and occupational health service providers.