Following the December 2019 UK election, it is anticipated that the United Kingdom will leave the EU on 31 January 2020 and that a 'deal' with the EU will have been agreed.
Allied Health Professionals (AHP) wishing to work in the UK are afraid of the Brexit implications regarding the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration. HCPC is the entity that protects and regulates the AHP’s work in the UK.
One thing is for sure: HCPC continues to work closely with the government in order to understand the BREXIT implications both for existing registrants and applicants.
If you are an Allied Health Professionals who are already registered, currently applying or wishing to join the Register after Brexit, you certainly have many doubts. And we have answers. Have a look.
For professionals who are currently applying to the Register or are already registered:
Q: Will I remain on the Register when the UK leaves the EU?
A: Yes. If you are HCPC registered before 11pm 31 January 2020, you will automatically remain on HCPC register after Brexit, whatever your nationality or where you qualified.
Q: Can I continue to apply for registration now, even though Brexit is close?
A: Yes. Whilst the UK will leave the EU on 31 January, there will be an implementation period (known as a transition period by the EU) which is likely to run until 31 December 2020.
Throughout this period HCPC will operate as if the UK still was a member of the EU, so the processes will continue as normal.
Hopefully, the terms will ensure that the requirements of the European Mutual Recognition (EMR) scheme will continue to apply during this period, allowing EU, EEA and Swiss nationals to apply as at present.
An EMR application started during the implementation period (between 31 January and 31 December 2020) will be processed.
For professionals wishing to join the Register after Brexit:
Q: Can I continue to apply for registration now, even though Brexit is close?
A: Yes. Whilst the UK will leave the EU on 31 January, there will be an implementation period (known as a transition period by the EU) which is likely to run until 31 December 2020.
Throughout this period HCPC will operate as if the UK still was a member of the EU so the processes will continue as normal.
Hopefully, the terms will ensure that the requirements of the European Mutual Recognition (EMR) scheme will continue to apply during this period, allowing EU, EEA and Swiss nationals to apply as at present.
An EMR application started during the implementation period (between 31 January and 31 December 2020) will be processed.
Q: What if the UK leaves the EU with a 'deal'?
A: If the UK leaves the EU with a ‘deal’, it is expected that HCPC registration and application processes will remain unchanged during any implementation period. However, HCPC cannot guarantee that the terms will ensure that the requirements of the European Mutual Recognition scheme will continue to apply during this period, allowing EU, EEA and Swiss nationals to apply as at present.
Q: What if the UK leaves the EU with 'no deal'?
A: In the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal, then the European Mutual Recognition scheme will no longer apply.
Unless other arrangements are put in place, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals will need to apply using the International Route for people with a qualification issued outside of the UK. HCPC aims to complete applications within 60 days of receipt.
Answers found at the HCPC website.
