ABSTRACT
The rationale for European Union (EU) action related to professional regulation was officially justified in the interest of free movement. Throughout the Member States there are different types of competent authorities for the professional recognition of nurses. Self-regulation of the profession takes place, meaning that professional recognition and similar functions are undertaken by the profession itself via some type of professional association. Many Member States rely on self-regulation via professional organizations with delegated legal authority. Applications for professional recognition are usually divided into groups by the competent authority depending on a nation's international agreements, the applicant's nationality, and the place of training. Language requirements were always separate from the issue of professional recognition. The modernization of the directive mandates that practitioners have knowledge of the necessary languages to exercise their profession in a host Member State. Determination of the professional's language skills may only be undertaken after recognition of professional qualification or the issuance of the European Professional Card.
