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<p>The aim of the European Professional Card (EPC) is to simplify and streamline the
recognition of professional qualifications process for the applicant. Improving the
freedom of movement of professionals will give the National Health Service greater
access to a range of skills to the benefit of patients.</p><br /><p>For health and
care professions, the EPC will be introduced for nurses, pharmacists and physiotherapists
in 2016. It will not be introduced for doctors until 2018 at the earliest. The EPC
will be introduced through an Implementing Act.</p><br /><p>The Department was involved
in extensive negotiations with the European Commission and other Member States during
the development of the Implementing Act and was successful in achieving a number of
positive changes including increasing access to translations of documents, and ensuring
that authorities can challenge the issuance of an EPC in another Member State under
‘justifiable circumstances’, which will be an important patient safety mechanism.
We will continue to work with the health and care regulators and the Commission during
the implementation process to mitigate any risks.</p><br /><p>The United Kingdom was
also successful in receiving a commitment from the Commission that they will undertake
an early review to ensure that any issues are resolved before the EPC is rolled out
to any additional professions.</p>
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