SCHEDULE 3U.K.Amendments for the purpose of, and in connection with, implementing the EEA EFTA free trade agreement

PART 5U.K.Amendments in relation to healthcare professions

Amendments to the Medical Act 1983U.K.

12.  After section 21B, insert—

“21BA    Further provision relating to the registration of specified state professionals

(1) This section applies where a specified state professional applies to be registered under section 21B and the person’s specified state qualification is not an acceptable overseas qualification.

(2) This section does not apply if the specified state qualification is not an acceptable overseas qualification because Condition 3 is met in relation to it (see section 21B(9)).

(3) Where this section applies, the General Council must specify what aptitude test or adaptation period, or aptitude test and adaptation period, must be passed or successfully completed by the person.

(4) An aptitude test or adaptation period specified under this section, or an aptitude test and adaptation period together specified under this section, must be proportionate to the difference sought to be addressed.

(5) The General Council must give a person their reasons for specifying an aptitude test or an adaptation period, or both, in relation to the person under this section, if the person makes a written request for them.

(6) If the General Council specify aptitude tests in relation to persons under this section, the Council must ensure that such tests are scheduled with reasonable frequency and at least once a year.

(7) The General Council may require a specified state professional who wishes to be registered under section 21B to demonstrate that the person possesses the language skills necessary to the practice of a fully registered medical practitioner.

(8) A language test required by the General Council under subsection (7) must be proportionate to the level of language skills referred to in that subsection.”.

Commencement Information