Briefing 
 

EP to back rules barring convicted doctors from working in other EU countries  

Health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists and childcare specialists, who face disciplinary action or criminal sanctions in their home country will be unable to practise in another EU member state under new rules to be voted by Parliament on Wednesday. However, a new electronic card listing their qualifications will also make it easier for professionals to work throughout the EU.


There are some 800 regulated professions in the EU and seven of them are automatically recognised in all member countries under the existing Professional Qualifications Directive. They are: doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, veterinary surgeons and architects.

The updated rules will accelerate the recognition process, which in some cases could take as little as four weeks.

Procedure: Co-decision (Ordinary Legislative Procedure), first reading agreement
Debate: Wednesday, 9 October
Vote: Wednesday, 9 October
Press conference: Wednesday, 9 October at 15.00 (tbc)
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