Ukrainian doctors in Poland longer on special terms. But the system is simplified to tighten

• The draft amendment to the so-called Ukrainian special act was entered into the list of legislative works of the Council of Ministers
• It is to extend the validity of the regulations introduced in connection with the outbreak of war in Ukraine until March 4, 2026. Some of these regulations concern medics
• The amendment also provides for changes to the Act on the professions of physician and dentist aimed at tightening the so-called simplified system
• The provisions concerning this procedure were to be included in the act introducing the hospital reform. They were added to the bill at the final stage and became the reason for its withdrawal once again

The draft amendment to the Act on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine in Connection with the Armed Conflict on the Territory of that Country and Certain Other Acts has been added to the list of the government’s legislative works.

It is to extend the validity of the regulations introduced in connection with the outbreak of war in Ukraine (including enabling the use of medical assistance in Poland) until March 4, 2026. Some of these regulations apply to medics.

The period during which the Minister of Health may issue a number corresponding to the number of the right to practice a profession (PWZ) at the request of a doctor or dentist who has obtained a certificate of meeting the requirements and submitting the documents necessary for entry in the register and has declared the intention to provide health services to Ukrainian citizens in Poland is to be extended.

The amendment also provides for changes to the Act on the Professions of Physician and Dentist aimed at tightening the so-called simplified system, enabling the practice of the profession by citizens of Ukraine and other persons who obtained the qualifications of a physician or dentist outside the European Union.

This concerns the regulations that allow for the practice of the profession of doctor and dentist only on the basis of a decision issued by the ministry, and without the right to practice the profession issued by the district medical chambers.

Recall that the Ministry of Health has introduced simplified procedures for granting non-EU individuals professional licenses to doctors and dentists due to the crises caused first by the COVID-19 pandemic and then by Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The changes have made it possible to obtain a conditional PWZ without having to have a diploma recognized and pass final exams .

In practice, this meant that district medical councils granted foreigners conditional PWZs or the right to practice a profession for a specified scope of professional activities, time and place of employment in the territory of Poland, solely on the basis of the decision of the ministry.

Even if the chambers had doubts about such persons and refused to enter them into the register, the provisions of the Act guaranteed them the possibility of practicing their profession.

As of 24 October 2024, it is no longer possible to apply for a conditional right to practice as a doctor, but the procedure for granting PWZ for the so-called scope of duties is still in force, which the Supreme Medical Council has been constantly calling for to be repealed.

The provisions regarding the simplified procedure were to be included in the act introducing the hospital reform. They were added to the bill at the final stage and became the reason (or pretext) for withdrawing it once again.

The planned amendment to the Ukrainian special act also includes changes to the act on the professions of nurse and midwife, also concerning a simplified procedure.

District Chambers of Nurses and Midwives will be able to extend conditional PWZs issued on the basis of the consent of the Minister of Health to practice the profession of a nurse or midwife in Poland under the so-called simplified procedure, until the completion of education compliant with the requirements of the European Union and continued employment in the profession, but no longer than for 3 years.

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