EU Matters

Introduction

The main objectives of the EU working group is to maintain a high profile of EU matters within the European Region of WCPT.

Terms of Reference

The terms of reference of the working group were agreed at the general meeting in 2000 as follows:

To examine all issues in relation to free migration under the General Directives of the EU and recommend action.
To examine EU initiatives on Health Policy and the implications for physiotherapy practice and make recommendations.
To consider the implications of enlargement in the EU and clarify the procedures and requirements of migration, so that the physiotherapy professionals in the prospective EU countries are prepared.
To review EU Directives relevant to physiotherapists and maintain liaison with the EU authorities.
To advice the Executive Committee on publication of information on EU matters.
To address activities in relation to EU matters, but also consider views of all member organisations of the European Region of WCPT with appropriate representation on the Working Group.
To prepare a written report for the Executive Committee every year by the end of January.

Activities

Activities recommended by the EU Matters WG for the period 2010 – 2012
Approved by the 2010 GM

1. EU Legislation related to the profession of physiotherapy and the users of its services

1.1 Monitor the developments

- Follow up any new development in legislation and directives issued and/or discussed at level of the EU Commission

o Provide responses on recent developments and proposals for consultation to the EU Commission

o Follow up the evaluation process of the Directive on Recognition of Professional qualifications including facilitation of migration (priority)

o Monitor the development of the Directive on Patient Rights in Cross Border Health Care (Health Service Directive) – COM (2008) 414 final. (priority)

§ Follow up the development of eHealth legislation at EU level.

- Monitor the implementation of the Migration Policy at national level.

1.2 Inform Member Organisations about developments

- Inform the Member Organisation on developments regarding directives and legislation relevant to the physiotherapy profession.

- Providing general information about the enlargement of the EU.

- Update all relevant documents concerning EU matters on the ER-WCPT website.

1.3 Seek responses and expert opinions from Member Organisations

1.4 Provide responses and expert opinions to the EU Commission.

2. EU Policy related to the profession of physiotherapy and the users of its services

2.1 Monitor the developments

- Being proactive in the field of health issues in the EU related to the 2020 Heath Strategy.

- Revise the Health Policy Statement of the ER-WCPT in collaboration with the Professional Issues Working Group recognising the role of physiotherapy in public health.

2.2 Inform Member Organisations about developments

2.3 Seek responses and expert opinions from Member Organisations

2.4 Provide responses and expert opinions to the EU Commission.

2.5 Provide ER-WCPT health promotion material for the website of European Commission for public health in the European Region.

3. Development of information resources and policies

3.1 Develop resources/policies for approval at the General Meeting

- Further develop the Info-tool (priority)

3.2 Identify and disseminate other sources of information relevant to MOs on EU matters

- Monitor migration of PTs in the EU.

- Assist MOs with their specific needs in relation to EU accession.

4. Liaisons

4.1 With health professionals and organisations at EU level

EU Health Policy Forum

EPHA

4.2 With the other Working Groups in the ER-WCPT

- Monitor developments in electronic patient record keeping in collaboration with the Professional Issues Working Group