Lost his license in Norway, operated in Germany. Stricter regulations are coming

Norwegian authorization does not fully guarantee the competence of a foreign doctor. This is the assessment of the Health Authority. The institution points to gaps in the international warning system. In the background is the case of a surgeon who lost his license in Norway and later operated in Germany.

The Health Authority emphasizes that foreign doctors may have a professional history unknown to Norwegian employers. Sjur Lehmann points out that authorization alone is not enough. He highlights the need for more thorough reference checks. This applies to both municipal and state medical institutions.

The Health Authority uses the IMI system. This is an information exchange tool between EU and EEA countries. States use it to notify each other about revocations, suspensions, and restrictions of professional licenses. However, reporting rules differ between countries. Not all cases have to be recorded.

The Authority announces an analysis of the possibility of introducing a new legal basis. This concerns the right to require a certificate of good conduct during the authorization process. According to Sissel Husøy, current regulations do not guarantee complete information. Lehmann adds that the IMI system will never be completely airtight. In 2023, 71 foreign healthcare workers lost their authorization in Norway.

Sørlandet Hospital reports that it uses its own recruitment procedures. It checks Norwegian authorization and recognized specialization. It also conducts interviews both digitally and in person. References are verified in Norway and abroad.

After media reports, the facility announces an additional review of its procedures. Director Nina Føreland expresses trust in the authorization system. At the same time, she admits that an internal discussion will be necessary. The hospital will assess whether even more thorough checks are needed.

The issue also concerns doctors from outside the EU and EEA. Their applications are not covered by the IMI system. Each case is assessed individually. The equivalence of education and knowledge of the Norwegian language are checked.

Work on possible changes to the regulations is at the analysis stage. The Health Authority is to assess whether a new legal basis is necessary and feasible. At the same time, the Health Supervision Authority is calling on employers to be more vigilant. Final decisions on legislative changes will be made after this assessment is completed.