Just as EUtopia predicted, it is looking increasingly likely that the controversy over language tests for doctors and nurses will result in an EU legal challenge. Today, the House of Lords European Union Select Committee has published a report criticising the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive, and claiming that the requirements currently contained in the Directive are not sufficient. The Committee claim that the Directive strikes the wrong balance between allowing healthcare professionals to work in other EU countries and ensuring the safety of patients. Further, the Committee has recommended that the GMC, Nursing and Midwifery Council, General Dental Council and General Pharmaceutical Council should be allowed to test the language skills of all non-UK applicants. The full report is available here.
