Recognition of professional qualifications in the event of a no-deal Brexit

The Department of Health and Social Care has laid the Health and Care Professions (Qualifications and Entitlements) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 in Parliament.

This statutory instrument deals with the links between our legislation and the European Directive for Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (MRPQ). It sets out what would happen in relation to the recognition of professional qualifications obtained in the EU, including qualifications as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician, in the event of a no-deal Brexit, when the MRPQ would no longer apply.

The statutory instrument sets out that:

  • anyone who has registered using an MRPQ route before the date of exit would retain their registration
  • anyone who has applied using an MRPQ route before the date of exit would be able to proceed with their application through that route including any appeals
  • applications for registration after the date of exit would be considered depending on a number of factors set out in the statutory instrument.

The statutory instrument is expected to be debated in Parliament in early 2019.

The publication of these regulations may provide useful clarity to people considering applying to join our register as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician in the future as to whether their professional qualification would be recognised and they would be eligible for registration in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

A paper considered by the GPhC Council at its December meeting summarised what would happen in relation to the recognition of professional qualifications in the event of the draft deal being agreed, including during the transition period.