Working in the Dutch Health Sector with a Foreign Certificate

INTRODUCTION

Health Care in the Netherlands

Health Care in the Netherlands is of a high quality. Professional practitioners, health care institutions, insurers, patient and consumer organisations and the Dutch government all feel strongly about the quality of care on offer.

Individuals in the possession of a foreign qualification who wish to work in the Dutch health sector are expected to meet the requirements set by the Dutch government and others. If you are one of these individuals, the Individual Health Care Professions Act (BIG Act) is of prime importance to you. The BIG Act sets requirements on he quality of professional practice and clarifies the conditions under which a person has the right to use a recognised registered or training title. This publication explains which steps you must take to acquire that right.

CHAPTER 1

1 THE MAIN POINTS OF THE BIG ACT

The BIG Act comprises rules for health care by professional practitioners. It aims to advance and safeguard the quality of professional practice and to protect patients from incompetent and negligent acts by professional practitioners. The most important legal instruments are the protection and registration of titles, the competence regulation for restricted acts, disciplinary rules, measures owing to incompetence and penal provisions.

The BIG Act provides two regulations for professions. A regulation which applies to the eight professions included in article three (the article three professions) and a regulation for professions which are regulated on the basis of article 34 of the act (the article 34 professions). Both regulations offer legal protection for titles, although there are two significant differences.

The government only maintains a register for article three professions (the BIG register) and legal disciplinary rules only apply to these professional practitioners.

The BIG Act restricts certain high-risk acts to competent professional practitioners. These restricted acts include surgery, injections, supervising deliveries and anaesthetising patients. Doctors, dentists and obstetricians (belonging to the article three professions) are considered independently competent to perform all or specific restricted acts on their own initiative. Others, such as dental hygienists, nurses and care assistants for example, have the right to perform specific restricted acts, but only under the authority of an independently competent professional. Individuals who perform a restricted act (on one's own initiative or under orders) are only permitted to do so if he or she is competent to perform the act in the proper manner.

The article three professions are covered by the disciplinary rules in accordance with the BIG Act. The main principle of the disciplinary rules is the meticulousness with which care is provided. In principle all disciplinary tribunal meetings are public. Decisions that affect entries in the BIG register are published. The smallest disciplinary measure is a warning, the most stringent is striking from the BIG register.

The penal provisions of the BIG Act apply to everyone working in the field of individual health care. A professional practitioner who damages another's health or is the cause of a considerable chance of such damage owing to an incompetent act is liable to punishment. Individuals who perform restricted acts which they are not permitted to perform, or who order a restricted act to be performed without complying with the relevant legal conditions, or who wrongfully use a legally protected title are also liable to punishment.

You can find more information on the BIG Act in 'Main Points of the BIG Act'. 'Restricted Access' includes information on what restricted acts are and who may perform them under which conditions. You can find information on the legal disciplinary rules in 'Disciplinary Rules in Health Care'. You can request any of these publications from the Public Information Department at the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. The address is included in appendix II at the back of this publication.

LEGALLY RECOGNISED REGISTERED TITLES

The following eight professions have been regulated in accordance with article 3:

• doctor

• dentist

• pharmacist

• obstetrician

• nurse

• physiotherapist

• psychotherapist

• health care psychologist

These professions are also known as the 'article three professions'. If you wish to practise any of these professions using the relevant title, you will only be permitted to do so once you have been registered in the legal register for the relevant profession, the BIG register. Only those individuals registered in the BIG register have the rights attached to this. For doctors, dentists and obstetricians this also includes the right to perform the respective restricted acts on one's own initiative and independently as referred to in article 36 of the BIG Act. Once you have been registered in the BIG register, you will be subject to the legal disciplinary rules.

If you are in possession of a foreign qualification and you wish to be registered in the BIG register, you can find an easy reference guide to all the possibilities in chapter 2 of this publication.

LEGALLY RECOGNISED TRAINING TITLES

The following professions are currently regulated in accordance with article 34 of the BIG Act:

• pharmacist's assistant;

• dietician;

• occupational therapist;

• speech therapist;

• dental hygienist;

• remedial therapist;

• orthoptist;

• podiatrist;

• radiographer (therapeutic);

• radiographer (diagnostic);

• dental-prosthesis maker;

• individual health care assistant.

These professions are also known as the 'article 34 professions'. There is no legal register for these professions and no legal disciplinary rules apply.

If you wish to practice any of these professions using the relevant title, you must be in the possession of a certificate relating to a course in the Netherlands regulated or designated by article 34, or be in the possession of a relevant declaration of professional competency, issued by the Dutch Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport. For further information see chapter three of this publication.

Chapter 2

Working with an officially recognised registered title

1 WHICH QUALIFICATION DO YOU POSSESS?

• If you possess a qualification which is listed in the 'Regulation on the Registration of Foreign Health Care Qualifications' (appendix I of this publication), you have the same rights of registration in the BIG register as those with an equivalent Dutch qualification. The regulation refers to qualifications acquired through professional training courses for doctors, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, obstetricians and nurses. If you are in the possession of such a qualification you can apply directly for registration in the BIG register. The address can be found at the back of this publication (see appendix II).

• If you have acquired a qualification in a member state of the European Economic Area (EEA: the countries of the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), there is an extra condition for registration. In that case you must hold the nationality of one of these countries.

• If your qualification is not included in the regulation, or you do not hold the nationality of the member state in which your qualification was acquired, you will only be registered in the BIG register if you are in possession of a declaration of professional competence. The following section explains the procedure involved in applying for a declaration of professional competence.

2 APPLYING FOR A DECLARATION OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE

A request for a declaration of professional competence can be addressed to the Bureau of Foreign Degree Holders at the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. The address can be found at the back of this publication (see appendix II). You will receive an application form, with a list of documents you must provide.

The following documents must be submitted along with an application for a declaration of professional competence:

• A fully completed application form.

• A certified photocopy of that part of the passport which contains your personal details.

• A copy of your certificate, certified by a Dutch notary or a recognised training institute in your country, or the original certificate.

• If your country of origin maintains a register of professional practitioners, you must also submit proof of registration in that register (no more than six months old).

• A document that proves you are permitted to practice your profession.

• The professional course programme from the institution at which you acquired your certificate. This must state the duration of the course, divided into theory and practical subjects and work placements.

• A list of grades and evaluation of your study results, practical experience and work placements et cetera.

• Proof of any professional experience.

The documents, or translations by a sworn translator, must be written in Dutch, English, French or German. Photocopies must also be certified.

The Minister will only deal with the application once all the necessary documents have been submitted. If you are unable to submit all the documents requested, you must provide a written explanation of your reasons. The entire procedure from application to decision typically takes several months. This is necessary to ensure the correct decision is taken.

The Minister can decide to refuse to accept the application if too few documents are available to realise a proper assessment of professional competence.

3 ASSESSMENT OF THE APPLICATION

After assessing the application the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport can take one of three decisions. Either the level professional competence is equivalent, almost equivalent, or not equivalent to that of a practitioner in a comparable profession in the Netherlands. Before the Minister takes one of these three decisions, it will be checked whether the qualification meets the training requirements of the relevant profession.

These requirements are fixed in accordance with the BIG Act. Your work experience and any specialisation are also important in the assessment.

If necessary, the Minister will seek the advice of the Committee of Foreign Degree Holders in Public Health. Depending on your training the committee will request the Netherlands Organisation for International Co- operation in Higher Education NUFFIC or the Association of the National Bodies for Vocational Training COLO to assess your qualification. If necessary the committee will request references or invite you for an interview to obtain further information. The committee may remain doubtful about whether your professional competence can be considered (almost) equivalent to that of a practitioner in a comparable profession in the Netherlands.

They may request you to take a knowledge and proficiency test. The costs of the test are payable by you.

The committee can provide the Minister with one of three recommendations.

Either your professional competence is equivalent, almost equivalent or not equivalent to that of a practitioner in a comparable profession in the Netherlands. Experience shows that the assessment 'equivalent' is less prevalent than 'almost equivalent' or 'not equivalent'. The minister will then take a decision.

• Your professional competence is equivalent and you have worked in the Netherlands before. The Minister will issue a declaration of professional competence that enables you to register in the BIG register. This is known as unconditional registration. See section 9 'Registration in the BIG register' and the rest of this chapter.

• Your professional competence is equivalent, but you have never worked in the Netherlands before. The only condition that the Minister stipulates is that you must work under supervision for the first six months, so that you can acquaint yourself with the Dutch health care system. You will only be able to provisionally register in the BIG register. See section 4 'Provisional registration in the BIG register' and the rest of this chapter.

• Your professional competence is almost equivalent. The minister will issue a declaration of professional competence which includes one or more restrictions. You will only be able to provisionally register in the BIG register. See section 4 'Provisional registration in the BIG register' and the rest of this chapter.

• Your professional competence is not equivalent. The Minister will not issue a declaration of professional competence if the Minister feels your professional competence is not equivalent to that of a Dutch practitioner in your profession. You may not register in the BIG register. The Minister's decision includes an indication of your level of professional competence and any recommendations in relation to additional training.

Your training and perhaps your work experience allow you to apply for admission to a Dutch training institute. The training institute has the sole right to decide in which year you can enrol and what you still have to do to acquire the Dutch qualification for the relevant profession.

A decision allowing you to register unconditionally in the BIG register will be sent to you immediately. In all other cases the Minister will first send a letter stating what the minister intends to decide. This letter will also include the committee's recommendations to the Minister. You will be given three weeks to react to the Minister's letter. You may provide new facts and circumstances which you feel are relevant to the final decision. You may also request an interview, which will be attended by a representative of the ministry and typically also a representative of the committee. If you do not agree with the Minister's final decision; you may lodge an appeal with the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport in accordance with General Administrative Law Act.

4 PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION IN THE BIG REGISTER

If you are granted provisional registration in the BIG register you will only be able to work under supervision. The period of provisional registration is no more than two years. The purpose of working under supervision is to provide you with the opportunity to fully attain the standard of a practitioner in a comparable profession in the Netherlands. During this period you will also have the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the Dutch health care system. An assessment system set up by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport will be used to determine whether you have attained that standard. If this is the case then you will be able to register unconditionally in the BIG register. See section 9 of this chapter, 'Registration in the BIG register'.

5 SUPERVISION

In the case of a declaration of professional competence with restrictions you will receive information on working under supervision and an uncompleted supervision agreement. You must choose your own supervisor.

Together with the supervisor you will plan a work programme and sign a supervision agreement. You should then send the agreement to the Bureau of Foreign Degree Holders at the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.

The supervision period will commence as soon as the Minister has approved the agreement. It is advisable to register provisionally in the BIG register only once this process is complete. If you are already provisionally registered, but fail to sign a supervision agreement in time, the maximum period of registration (two years) could expire without you having worked the required time under supervision. In that case you will lose the right of registration in the BIG register and you will be obliged to submit another request for registration.

The supervisor will hold progress interviews with you at regular intervals. At the end of the period the supervisor will draw up a final report and send it together with the interim evaluations to the above-mentioned Bureau. If the supervision period has been successful, you will receive a declaration of professional competence. The provisional registration will be cancelled and you will automatically be registered unconditionally in the BIG register.

6 GAINING EXPERTISE IN THE INTERESTS OF THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

It is also possible to request permission to gain expertise through a provisional registration in the BIG register in the interests of your country of origin. If this is the purpose of your registration, you will gain the experience in the Dutch health sector your country needs under strict supervision. The declaration of professional competence will then be issued on the basis of an international co-operation agreement between the Netherlands and the country of origin, or on the basis of co-operation agreements between (university) hospitals or other institutions. Sole purpose is to gain expertise in a specialist area in your profession. This registration cannot be converted into unconditional registration.

You must submit your application, together with all the documents mentioned in chapter 2, point 2, to the Bureau of Foreign Degree Holders at the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. It is important that the Minister is able to process the application quickly. This is only possible if the application meets the following requirements:

• The supervisor and the employer in the Netherlands must jointly submit the application, including the co-operation agreement approved by both governments. The gaining of specific expertise must be substantiated in this agreement. It should also be indicated how long you intend to work in the Netherlands.

• The competent authorities in the country of origin must state that the application for gaining specific expertise has been made in that country's interest.

• You must sign an agreement to return home in advance.

• The applicants must indicate the specific field of expertise and in which department of an institute you intend to work. You will gain work experience as part of a specific advanced study or to gain specific expertise.

• The applicants must declare that you will not be working outside the field specified and accept the legal and disciplinary co-responsibility for your acts.

• The applicants must arrange professional liability, insurance and financing for the supervision place.

• You, your employer and your supervisor must be aware of the fact that no other rights can be derived from the approval of the application, besides provisional registration. Extension of the provisional registration in the BIG register is not possible.

7 FAST TRACK APPLICATIONS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

A request for a declaration of professional competence will receive priority if an essential Dutch public health interest is at issue. In addition to the documents mentioned earlier (see section 2 of this chapter), you must submit a statement from a health care institute to the Bureau of Foreign Degree Holders of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. This should indicate that there is a need for a foreign professional practitioner owing to an essential Dutch public health interest, which cannot be addressed by a professional practitioner from the EEA. The final decision on whether you can provisionally register in the BIG register will still rest with the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport.

8 REGISTRATION FOR OBSERVATION PURPOSES

If you wish to work as an observer in a health care institute, this institute must submit a request for a declaration of professional competence to the Bureau of Foreign Degree Holders at the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. This request will receive fast track attention. Depending on the decision of the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport you will be able to provisionally register in the BIG register for a continuous period of no more than three months. Extension is not possible. A request for observation purposes must be submitted well in advance of the date of commencement, in view of the time required to process the application.

9 REGISTRATION IN THE BIG REGISTER

• If you have a certificate which is included in the 'Regulation on the Registration of Foreign Health Care Qualifications' (see appendix 1 of this publication), you can submit your application for registration directly to the BIG register. The address can be found at the back of this publication (see appendix II). If you acquired a qualification in a country which is part of the European Economic Area (EEA: the countries of the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) there is an extra condition of registration. In that case you must be a national of one of these countries. The BIG register will send you a registration form on request. For registration in the BIG register it is normally sufficient to return the registration form, together with the documents required and payment of a NLG 130 registration fee.

• If you have been granted a declaration of professional competence by the Bureau of Foreign Degree Holders, a copy will be sent to the BIG register. The BIG register will then send you a registration form. For registration in the BIG register it is normally sufficient to return the registration form, together with any documents required and payment of a NLG 130 registration fee.

• The Bureau of Foreign Degree Holders will also inform the BIG register of a provisional registration. The BIG register will then send you a registration form. For registration in the BIG register it is normally sufficient to return the registration form, together with any documents required and payment of a NLG 130 registration fee.

10 POST-REGISTRATION IN THE BIG REGISTER

You have the right to use the relevant professional title once you have registered in the BIG register. Everyone will be able to see that you possess specific expertise. Doctors, dentists and obstetricians will be permitted to perform specific restricted acts independently. Individuals who are registered in the BIG register, are covered by the disciplinary rules of the BIG Act.

Certain information in the register is public. This information is available to anyone who wants it, including employers. This is restricted to the following information:

• whether you are registered in the register;

• whether you are recognised as a specialist and for which specialism;

• whether your registration has been suspended and for how long;

• whether part of your competence has been revoked;

• whether conditions have been attached to the practise of your profession and if so for how long?

CHAPTER 3

Working with an officially recognised training title

1 WHICH QUALIFICATION DO YOU POSSESS?

If you wish to practice an 'article 34 profession' using the relevant training title, this is only permitted once you have been granted a declaration of professional competence or a foreign certificate designated by the Minister. At the moment no certificate has been designated for an 'article 34 profession'.

A government register for the professions regulated in accordance with article 34 does not exist. A declaration of professional competence issued by the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport gives the right to use the relevant training title.

2 APPLYING FOR A DECLARATION OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE

A request for a declaration of professional competence can be addressed to the Bureau of Foreign Degree Holders at the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport. The address can be found at the back of this publication (see appendix II). You will receive an application form, with a list of documents you must provide.

The following documents must be submitted along with an application for a declaration of professional competence:

• A fully completed application form.

• A certified photocopy of that part of the passport which contains your personal details.

• A copy of your certificate, certified by a Dutch notary or a recognised training institute in your country, or an original certificate.

• If your country of origin maintains a register of professional practitioners, you must also submit proof of registration in that register (no more than six months old).

• A document that proves you are permitted to practice your profession.

• The professional course programme from the institution at which you acquired your certificate. This must state the duration of the course, divided into theory and practical subjects and work placements.

• A list of grades and evaluation of your study results, practical experience and work placements et cetera.

• Proof of any professional experience.

The documents, or translations by a sworn translator, must be written in Dutch, English, French or German. Photocopies must also be certified.

The Minister will only deal with the application once all the necessary documents have been submitted. If you are unable to submit all the documents requested, you must provide a written explanation of your reasons. The entire procedure from application to decision typically takes several months. This is necessary to ensure the correct decision is taken. The Minister can decide to refuse to accept the application if too few documents are available to realise a proper assessment of professional competence.

3 ASSESSMENT OF THE APPLICATION

In the EEA 'article 34 professions' are typically covered by two general European directives. These relate to the recognition of higher education qualifications which conclude professional training courses of at least three years and other professional training courses. The 'article 3 profession' physiotherapist is also covered. Depending on your situation there is a number of possibilities:

• You have a qualification from a training course for one of those professions, acquired in a member state of the European Economic Area (EEA: the countries of the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), and you hold the nationality of one of these countries. If there are no substantial differences between your training course and the comparable training course in the Netherlands, you are in principle immediately eligible for a declaration of professional competence, a so-called EU declaration.

• If your training course is substantially different from the comparable Dutch training course, the Minister will set a number of additional conditions. The applicant can choose between 'adaptation training', possibly with follow-up training, or a 'proficiency test'.

• You have a qualification from a training course for one of the 'article 34 professions', which has not been acquired in a member state of the European Economic Area, or you do have such a qualification, but not the nationality of one of these countries.

• The Minister will then determine whether there are substantial differences between your training course and the comparable Dutch training course, or differences in training because the profession is exercised differently than in the Netherlands. If this is not the case, the Minister will issue a declaration of professional competence.

• If the Minister detects substantial differences, your request will be refused and you will be advised to qualify for the declaration by acquiring the relevant Dutch qualification. The training institute has the sole right to decide in which year you can enrol and what you still have to do to acquire the Dutch qualification for the relevant profession.

CHAPTER 4

Work permits and the Dutch language

If you are registered in the BIG register or are in the possession of a declaration of professional competence for one of the 'article 34 professions', this does not automatically mean that you may work in the Netherlands.

You must have a work permit from the Minister for Social Affairs and Employment. The residence status granted to you by the Minister of Justice is an important factor in assessing your eligibility for such a permit.

A good command of the Dutch language is essential for working in the Dutch health care sector. Your prospective employer, supervisor and the health insurer can all attach conditions in relation to this. Your command of the Dutch language is one of the points to which the supervisor must pay attention in accordance with the supervision agreement. A level which at least corresponds to the requirements of the state exam 'Dutch as a Second Language' is required.

If you do not possess a sufficient command of the Dutch language, it would be wise to learn Dutch while your request for a declaration of professional competence is being processed.

Appendix I

List of qualifications from the 'Regulation on the Registration of Foreign Health Care Qualifications'

Doctors

Austria

• 'Doktor der gesamten Heilkunde', together with the 'Bescheinigung über die Absolvierung der Tätigkeit als Arzt im Praktikum', obtained after 31 December 1992.

Belgium

• 'wettelijk diploma van doctor in de genees-, heel- en verloskunde', 'diplôme légal de docteur en médecine', obtained after 16 December 1976.

Denmark

• 'bevis for bestået lægevidenskabelig embedseksamen', together with the 'dokumentation for gennemfort praktisk uddannelse' practical certificate, obtained after 16 December 1976.

Finland

• 'todistus Iääketieteen lisentiaatin tutkinnosta',

• 'bevis om medicine licentiat examen' and a certificate of practical training, obtained after 31 December 1992.

France

• the 'diplôme d'État de docteur en médecine' state certificate,

• 'diplôme d'université de docteur en médecine', insofar that the same training programme is required as for the state certificate, obtained after 16 December 1976.

Germany

• 'Zeugnis über die ärztliche Staatsprüfung' and the 'Zeugnis über die Vorbereitungszeit als Medizinalassistent', obtained after 16 December 1976

• 'Zeugnis über die ärztliche Staatsprüfung', together with the 'Arzt im Praktikum' practical certificate, obtained after 30 June 1988.

Greece

• p t u c i o i a t r i k h V , obtained after 31 December 1987.

Iceland

• 'próf í læknisfræ i frá læknadeild Háskóla Islands', together with a certificate of practical training at a hospital for at least 12 months, obtained after 31 December 1992.

Ireland

• 'primary qualification', together with a certificate of practical experience, entitling the holder to register as a 'fully registered medical practitioner', obtained after 16 December 1976.

Italy

• 'diploma de laurea in medicina e chirurgia', together with the 'diploma di abilitazione all'esercizio della medicina e chirurgia', obtained after 16 December 1976.

Luxembourg

• 'diplôme d'État de docteur en médecine, chirurgie et accouchements', signed by the Minister of Education, together with the 'certificat de stage', signed by the Minister of Health, obtained after 16 December 1976.

Norway

• 'bevis for bestått medisinsk embetseksamen', together with a certificate of practical training, issued by the competent health authorities, obtained after 31 December 1992.

Portugal

• 'carta de curso de licenciatura em medicina', together with the 'diploma comprovativo da conclusão do internato geral', issued by the competent authorities of the Ministry of Health, obtained after 31 December 1985.

Spain

• 'Título de Licenciado en Medicina y Cirurgía', issued by the Ministry of Education and Sciences or granted by the rector magnificus of a university, obtained after 31 December 1985.

Sweden

• 'Iäkarexamen' together with a certificate of practical training issued by the National Advisory Council for Public Health and Welfare, obtained after 31 December 1992.

United Kingdom

• 'primary qualification', together with a certificate of practical experience, entitling the holder to register as a 'fully registered medical practitioner', obtained after 16 December 1976.

Dentists

Belgium

• 'wettelijk diploma van licentiaat in de tandheelkunde' or 'diplôme légal de licencié en science dentaire', obtained after 25 January 1979.

Denmark

• 'bevis for tandlægeeksamen (kandidateksamen)', together with a document issued by the Sundhedsstyrelsen, indicating that the person involved spent the mandatory time as an assistant, obtained after 25 January 1979.

Finland

• 'todistus hammaslääketieteen lisentiaatin tutkinnosta'or 'bevis om odontologi licentiat examen', granted by a medical faculty, together with a certificate of practical training, issued by the National Advisory Council for Public Health and Welfare, obtained after 31 December 1992.

France

• 'diplôme d'État de chirurgien-dentiste'or 'diplôme d'État de docteur en chirurgie dentaire', obtained after 25 January 1979.

Germany

• 'Zeugnis über die zahnärztliche Staatsprüfung, obtained after 25 January 1979.

Greece

• p t u c i o o d o n t i a t r i k h h V t o u P a n e p i s t h m i o u , obtained after 31 December 1987.

Iceland

• 'próf frá tannlæknadeild Háskóla Islands', obtained after 31 December 1992.

Ireland

• certificate of 'Bachelor in Dental Science (B.Dent.Sc.)',

• 'Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)',

• 'Licentiate in Dental Surgery (LDS)', issued by the universities or by the Royal College of Surgeons, obtained after 25 January 1979.

Italy

• 'diploma de laurea in odontoiatra', obtained after 25 January 1979.

Luxembourg

• 'diplôme d'État de docteur en médecine dentaire', obtained after 25 January 1979.

Norway

• 'bevis for bestätt odontologisk embetseksamen', obtained after 31 December 1992.

Portugal

• 'carta de curso de licenciatura em medicina dentária', obtained after 31 December 1985.

Spain

• 'Título de licenciado en odontología', obtained after 31 December 1985.

Sweden

• 'tandläkarexamen', granted by dental training institutions, together with a certificate of practical training, issued by the National Advisory Council for Public Health and Welfare, obtained after 31 December 1992.

United Kingdom

• certificate of 'Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS of B.Ch.D.)',

• 'Licentiate in Dental Surgery (LDS)',

issued by the universities or by the Royal Colleges, obtained after 25 January 1979.

Pharmacists

Austria

• 'Staatliches Apothekerdiplom', obtained after 31 December 1992.

Belgium

• 'wettelijk diploma van apoteker' or 'diplôme légal de pharmacien', obtained after 1 October 1987.

Denmark

• 'bevis for bestået farmaceutisk kandidatseksamen', obtained after 1 October 1987.

Finland

• 'todistus proviisorin tutkinnosta' or 'bevis om provisorexamen', obtained after 31 December 1992.

France

• the 'apotheker' state certificate or the 'doctor in de farmacie' state certificate, obtained after 1 October 1987.

Germany

• 'Zeugnis über die staatliche Pharmazeutische Prüfung', obtained after 1 October 1987.

Greece

• p i s t o p o i h t i k o t w n a r m o d i w n a r c w n , i k a n o t h t a V a s k h s h V t h V j a r m a k e u t i k h V , c o r h g o u m e n o m e t a a p o k r a t i k h e x e t s h (the certificate of competence in the exercise of the activities of a pharmacist, granted after a state exam), obtained after 1 December 1987.

Iceland

• 'próf frá Háskóla lslands i lyfjafræ i', obtained after 31 December 1992.

Ireland

• certificate of 'Registered Pharmaceutical Chemist', obtained after 1 October 1987.

Italy

• diploma or certificate of the qualification for the exercise of the profession of pharmacist, obtained after a state exam, obtained after 1 October 1987.

Luxembourg

• 'apotheker' state certificate, obtained after 1 October 1987.

Norway

• 'bevis for bestått cand.pharm.eksamen', obtained after 31 December 1992.

Portugal

• 'Carta de curso de licenciatura em Ciências Farmacêuticas', obtained after 1 October 1987.

Spain

• 'Título de licenciado en farmacia', issued by the Ministry of Education and Sciences or by the universities, obtained after 1 October 1987.

Sweden

• 'apotekarexamen', granted by Uppsala University, obtained after 31 December 1992.

United Kingdom

• certificate of 'Registered Pharmaceutical Chemist', obtained after 1 October 1987.

Physiotherapists

Belgium

- certificate of 'gegradueerde in de kinesitherapie',

- certificate of 'licentiaat in de motorische revalidatie en de kinesitherapie'.

Obstetricians

Austria

• 'Hebammen-Diplom', obtained after 31 December 1992.

Belgium

• 'vroedvrouwdiploma' or 'diplôme d'accoucheuse', obtained after 23 January 1983.

Denmark

• 'bevis for bestået jordemoder-eksamen' issued by Danmarks Jordemoderskole, obtained after 23 January 1983.

Finland

• certificate of 'kätilö'or 'barnmorska,

• 'erikoissairaanhoitaja, naistentaudit ja äitiyshuolto'or 'specialsjukskötare, kvinnosjukdomar och mödravård',

obtained after 31 December 1992

France

• certificate of 'sage-femme', obtained after 23 January 1983.

Germany

• 'Zeugnis über die staatliche Prüfung für Hebammen und Entbindungspfleger', obtained after 23 January 1983.

Greece

• 'p t u c i o m a i a V h m a i e u t h ', authenticated by the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs;

• 'p t u c i o a n w t e r a V s c o l h V s t e l e c v n u g e i a V k a i k o i n w n i k h V p r o n o i a V t m h m a t o V m a i e u t i k h V ',

obtained after 23 January 1983.

Ireland

• 'Certificate in Midwifery', issued by An Bord Altranais, obtained after 23 January 1983.

Italy

• certificate of 'ostetrica', obtained after 23 January 1983.

Luxembourg

• certificate of 'sage-femme', issued by the Ministry of Health, obtained after 23 January 1983.

Norway

• certificate of 'bevis for bestått jordmoreksamen', together with a certificate of practical training, obtained after 31 December 1992.

Portugal

• certificate of 'enfermeiro especialista em enfermagem de saúde materna e obstétrica', obtained after 31 December 1985.

Spain

• certificate of 'matrona'or 'asistencia obstétrica (matrona)',

• enfermería obstétrica-ginecológica', issued by the Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia,

obtained after 31 December 1985.

Sweden

• certificate of 'barnmorskeexamen', obtained after 31 December 1992.

United Kingdom

• a 'Statement of registration as a Midwife' in part 10 of the register maintained by the 'United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting', obtained after 23 January 1983.

Nurses

Argentina

• the certificate of 'Enfermera (Professional)', obtained after 31 December 1986.

Australia

• the certificate of 'General nurse', obtained in the Australian Capitol Territory after 31 December 1986.

• 'General nurse', obtained in New South Wales after 31 December 1986,

• 'General nurse', obtained in Queensland after 31 December 1986,

• 'General nurse', obtained in South Australia after 31 December 1986,

• 'General nurse', obtained in Tasmania after 31 December 1986,

• 'Applied Science in Nursing', or 'General Nurse', obtained in Victoria after 31 December 1986,

• 'Applied Science in Nursing', or ' General nurse', obtained in Western Australia after 31 December 1986.

Austria

• 'Diplom in der allgemeinen Krankenpflege'(Krankenschwester or Krankenpfleger certificate), obtained after 31 December 1992.

Belgium

• the certificate of 'ziekenhuisverpleger' or 'ziekenhuisverpleegster', or of 'infirmier hospitalier'or 'infirmière hospitalière',

• the certificate of 'gegradueerd ziekenhuisverpleger' or 'gegradueerd ziekenhuisverpleegster', or of 'infirmier gradué hospitalier'or 'infirmière graduée hospitalière', obtained after 27 June 1979.

• 'gegradueerd sociaal verpleger' or 'gegradueerd sociaal verpleegster', obtained after 31 December 1986.

Canada

• the certificate of 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing',

• 'Graduate Nurse',

obtained in Alberta after 31 December 1986,

• 'Registered nurse',

• Collegial Studies (in nursing)',

obtained in Ontario after 31 December 1986.

China (People's Republic)

• the certificate of 'Registered nurse', obtained in Hong Kong after 31 December 1986.

Curaçao

• the certificate of 'Verpleegkundige', obtained after 31 December 1990.

Denmark

• the certificate 'Sygeplejerske', obtained after 27 June 1979.

Egypt

• the certificate of 'Bachelor of Nursing degree', obtained after 31 December 1986.

Finland

• the certificate of 'Sairaanhoitara'or 'sjukskötare',

• 'terveydenhoitaja' or 'hälsovårdare', obtained after 31 December 1992.

France

• 'diplôme d'État d'infirmier' or 'diplôme d'État d'infirmière', issued by the Ministry of Health, obtained after 27 June 1979.

Germany

• the certificate of the 'staatliche Prüfung in der Krankenpflege', obtained after 27 June 1979.

Greece

• the certificate of A n w t e r a V S c o l h V A d e l j v n N o s o k o m w n ', approved by the Ministry of Social Services,

obtained after 31 December 1987.

Iceland

• the certificate of 'próf i hjúkrunarfræ um', obtained after 31 December 1992.

India

• the certificate of 'General nurse' obtained after 31 December 1986.

Indonesia

• the certificate of 'Perawatan Umum',

• '(Bakaloreat) Ilmu Perawatan Jurusun Umum',

obtained after 31 December 1986.

Iran

• the certificate of

• 'Paarastari',

• 'Paarastari Omuni',

obtained after 31 December 1986.

Ireland

• the certificate of 'Registered General Nurse', issued by ' An Bord Altranais', obtained after 27 June 1979.

Israel

• the certificate of 'Graduate nurse (grade B.A.)',

• 'Registered nurse',

obtained after 31 December 1986.

Italy

• 'Diploma di abilitazione professionale per infermiere professionale', obtained after 27 June 1979, issued by state authorised schools.

Luxembourg

• the 'infirmier' state certificate,

• the 'infirmier hospitalier gradué' state certificate, issued by the Ministry of Health,

obtained after 27 June 1979.

Malaysia

• the certificate of 'General nurse', obtained in Singapore after 31 December 1986.

Malta

• the certificate of 'General nurse', obtained after 31 December 1986.

New Zealand

• the certificate of 'Comprehensive nurse',

• General and Obstetric nurse',

obtained after 31 December 1986.

Nigeria

• the certificate of 'General nurse', obtained after 31 December 1986.

Norway

• 'bevis for bestått sykepleiereksamen' (Sykepleier certificate), obtained after 31 December 1992.

Philippines

• the certificate of

• 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing',

• 'Graduate in Nursing',

obtained at the Philippines after 31 December 1986.

Portugal

• 'Diploma do curso de enfermagem geral', obtained after 31 December 1985.

South Africa

• the certificate of

• 'Baccalaureus in verpleegkunde',

• 'General Nurse' or 'algemene verpleging',

• 'Algemeen, Psigiatriese, Gemeenskapsverpleegkundige en vroedvrou',

obtained after 31 December 1986.

Spain

• the certificate of 'Título de Diplomado universitario en Enfermería', obtained after 31 December 1985.

Surinam

• ' A-ziekenverpleging; verpleegkundige', obtained after 31 December 1986.

Sweden

• the certificate of 'Sjuksköterska', obtained after 31 December 1992.

Switzerland

• the certificate of

• 'infirmière diplômée en soins généraux', or 'infirmier diplômé en soins généraux',

• 'diplomierte Krankenschwester für alIgemeine Krankenpflege', or 'diplomierter

Krankenpfleger für allgemeine Krankenpflege',

• 'infirmiera diplomata in cure generali', or 'infirmiere diplomato in cure generali'.

obtained after 31 December 1986.

Thailand

• the certificate of ' Bachelor of Science in Nursing',

• 'First-Class practitioner of nursing and midwifery',

obtained after 31 December 1980.

United Kingdom

• the certificate of 'General Nurse', obtained after 27 June 1979.

United States of America

• the certificate of

• 'Registered nurse', - 'Associate of Applied Science in Nursing', - 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing', obtained in Alabama after 31 December 1986,

• 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing', obtained in Arizona after 31 December 1986,

• 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing', obtained in Connecticut after 31 December 1986,

• 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing', obtained in Florida after 31 December 1986,

• ' Registered (Professional) Nurse', obtained in Georgia after 31 December 1986,

• 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing', obtained in Illinois after 31 December 1986,

• 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing', obtained in North Carolina after 31 December 1986,

• 'Registered Nurse', obtained in Maryland after 31 December 1986,

• 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing', obtained in Massachusetts after 31 December 1986,

• 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing', obtained in Michigan after 31 December 1986,

• 'Registered Nurse', obtained in New Hampshire after 31 December 1986,

• 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing', obtained in New Jersey after 31 December 1986,

• 'Professional Nurse', obtained in New Mexico after 31 December 1986,

• 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing', obtained in New York (state) after 31 December 1986,

• 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing', obtained in Ohio after 31 December 1986,

• 'Bachelor Degree of Science in Nursing', - 'Registered Nurse'(associate in Applied Science),
• 'Professional Nurse', obtained in Pennsylvania after 31 December 1986,

• 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing', obtained in South Carolina after 31 December 1986,

• 'Registered Nurse', 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing', obtained in Texas after 31 December 1986,

• 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing', obtained in Virginia or in West Virginia after 31 December 1986,

• 'Bachelor of Science in Nursing', obtained in Washington (state) after 31 December 1986.

Appendix II

Addresses

Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport

Bureau of Foreign Degree Holders, telephone 070 340 69 54

PO Box 16114

2500 BC The Hague

Commission of Foreign Degree Holders in Public Health

c/o BIG Register,

PO Box 16114

2500 BC The Hague

Telephone 070 340 74 01

BIG Register

PO Box 16114

2500 BC The Hague

Telephone 0900 8998 225 (22 cents a minute)

PUBLISHER

Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport

POSTAL ADDRESS

PO Box 20350, 2500 EJ The Hague

VISITOR'S ADDRESS

Turfmarkt 244, 2511 DJ The Hague, Netherlands

Telephone 070 340 79 11

PUBLIC INFORMATION

Telephone 070 340 78 90

INTERNET ADDRESS

www.minvws.nl

June 1999

This cost-free publication is available from the

Public Information Department of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport

Telephone (070) 340 78 90, Fax (070) 340 62 51

No rights can be derived from the contents of this brochure.

Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport

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