The european legislation framework for recognition of academic titles and the issuance of certificate of conformity for doctors - A case study from Romania
The european legislation framework for recognition of academic titles and the issuance of certificate of conformity for doctors - A case study from Romania

Summary/Abstract: The EU professional regulatory framework for doctors is complex. This case study stems out from an analysis of Directive 2005/36/EC (translated in Romania's HG 1282/2007) regarding the issuance procedure of certificates of conformity (CC) for doctors (articles 24 and 25). Objectives: 1) to evaluate the procedure of the administrative issuance of CC for doctors applying for professional mobility in the EU; and 2) to evaluate the procedure of recognition of PhD degrees obtained overseas. Methods: This documented public health medical professional mobility also included a PhD degree. The fifteen-year case study has explored the regulatory conundrum of medical speciality registration in the context of EU professional mobility. Six engagements were documented: two with competent authorities and professional regulators; two civil lawsuits (Court of Appeal), one High Court ruling and final judgment and one ECtHR appeal. Results: After six years the High Court judgment was upheld in favour of the home competent authority. The ECtHR appeal ended up as inadmissible (fourth nature) four years later. The doctor's PhD degree awarded by the host country took three years to be recognized by the home country's education competent authority. The home health competent authority refuses to issue a specialist CC at a time when it paradoxically issues specialist certificates of good standing (CGS). Conclusion Timing in addressing professional pathways for doctors knows shortcomings and gets tangled in administrative bureaucracy in Romania. Given the 15-year time span with an unsolved Art 25 CC issuance we recommend an audit of the national law and 'lege ferenda'.

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