S.L. 451.3 ст. 23Acquired rights. Evidence of successful completion of training. Certificate attesting three years practice in the last five years. Cap. 464. S.L. 437.43 Cap. 464. S.L. 437.43

(1) Without prejudice to the acquired rights specific to the professions concerned, in cases where the evidence of formal qualifications as doctor giving access to the professional activities of doctor with basic training and specialised doctor, as nurse responsible for general care, as dental practitioner, as specialised dental practitioner, as veterinary surgeon, as midwife and as pharmacist held by Member State nationals does not satisfy all the training requirements stipulated in the specific national sectoral legislation, it shall be recognised as sufficient proof evidence of professional qualifications issued by those Member States insofar as such evidence attests successful completion of training which began before the reference dates laid down in the Health Care Professions Act, and in Schedule I of the Mutual Recognition of

Qualifications of Veterinary Surgeons Regulations, and is accompanied by a certificate stating that the holder has been effectively and lawfully engaged in the activities in question for at least three consecutive years during the five years preceding the award of the certificate.

(2) The same provisions shall apply to evidence of formal qualifications as doctor giving access to the professional activities of doctor with basic training and specialised doctor, as nurse responsible for general care, as dental practitioner, as specialised dental practitioner, as veterinary surgeon, as midwife and as pharmacist, obtained in the territory of the former German Democratic Republic, which does not satisfy all the minimum training requirements laid down in the specific national sectoral legislation if such evidence certifies successful completion of training which began before:

(a) the 3rd October 1990 for doctors with basic training, nurses responsible for general care, dental practitioners with basic training, specialised dental practitioners, veterinary surgeons, midwives and pharmacists; and

(b) the 3rd April 1992 for specialised doctors.

(3) The evidence of formal qualifications referred to in subregulation (1) confers on the holder the right to pursue professional activities throughout German territory under the same conditions as evidence of formal qualifications issued by the competent German authorities referred to in the Health Care

Professions Act, and in Schedule I of the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications of Veterinary Surgeons Regulations.

(4) (a) Bulgaria may authorise the holders of the qualification of "Фелдшер" (feldsher) awarded in Bulgaria before 31 December 1999 and exercising this profession under the Bulgarian national social security scheme on 1 January 2000 to continue to excerise this profession, even if parts of their activities fall under the provisions concerning doctors of medicine and nurses responsible for general care respectively.

(b) The holders of the above Bulgarian qualification are not entitled to obtain professional recognition in Malta as doctors of medicine or as nurses (general care).