Beeinträchtigung der Gesundheitsversorgung oder Gesundheitsschutz?

Die (Nicht-)Anerkennung ausländischer Qualifikationen im Bereich der Osteopathie 
vor dem Hintergrund völkerrechtlicher Verpflichtungen der Schweiz

Julia Villotti

The Swiss media have repeatedly reported on an impending shortage of osteopaths due to a lack of training opportunities in Switzerland and the refusal to examine the content of professional qualifications acquired in certain countries and thus to recognise them. The restrictive practice of the Swiss Red Cross (SRK) in recognising professional qualifications has been highly criticised and is or has been the subject of various proceedings before Swiss courts. When accused of protectionism, the SRK refers to its duty to protect patients from being treated by unqualified health professionals. Legally, the recognition of professional qualifications in the field of osteopathy from EU/EFTA countries must be assessed on the basis of the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the EU and the EFTA Convention respectively. However, there are still several unresolved legal issues in this regard.