HL Deb 15 March 2004 vol 659 cc19-20WA
Lord Walton of Detchant

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are satisfied that healthcare professionals in medicine, nursing and dentistry who have trained in the 10 new member states which will join the European Union on 1 May 2004 will have met the minimum training standards specified in the European Community directives. [HL1807]

Lord Warner

All accession states are committed to ensuring that the qualifications they award to doctors, nurses responsible for general care and dentists who begin their training on or after the date for accession meet specified minimum requirements. It is for the European Commission, which is closely monitoring their progress, to see that these obligations are met. It intends to update member states shortly.

Lord Walton of Detchant

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether healthcare professionals in the osteopathic, chiropractic and social care professions who have trained in the 10 new member states which will join the European Union on 1 May 2004 will be eligible for registration with the relevant United Kingdom regulatory authorities. [HL1808]

Lord Warner

Healthcare professionals in the osteopathic and chiropractic professions will be entitled to a comparative scrutiny of their qualifications and experience against any national requirements, and, in the event of a substantial difference, may be required to demonstrate additional experience or to undertake an adaptation period or an aptitude test. The registration of social workers is currently voluntary and these rules do not yet apply.