“The flows decree is delegitimizing the activity of professional associations as subsidiary bodies of the State, because it allows” foreign operators “to continue to practice healthcare professions without any regulation. We appeal to President fedriga to approve the Conference of Regions as soon as possible the act of understanding already prepared for some time,which regulates this path and which places all professionals,Italian and foreign,on the same level. A solution is needed promptly.” Thus the president of Fnopi (National Federation of Nursing Professions), Barbara Mangiacavalli, and the president of Fnomceo (National Federation of Doctors’ Associations), Filippo Anelli, commenting in a note on the Flussi decree approved at first reading by the Chamber and expected on December 3 in the Senate, which “contains – they underline – a further extension to the temporary practice in Italy of foreign personnel, in particular nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, until 2027, in derogation of the recognition of professional qualifications and without registration in the Italian Orders”.
“The only constraint – explain Mangiacavalli and Anelli – is to be registered in the Order of the country of origin, but there is no evaluation regarding the equivalence of the qualifications, the training path. Above all, there is no prediction of registration, which is what the federations had asked for and which was contemplated in the act, in a special list kept by the Orders to be able to exercise ethical control over these colleagues. So we will find citizens in Italy assisted by people who probably have a qualification adequate, but no one will ever be able to be sure because there is no monitoring system, just as there is no ethical control, as provided for in the agreement. and this at a time when, after recent news events, everyone is asking the Orders for greater guarantees and more stringent controls”.
“It thus seems out of place – observe the presidents of Fnopi and Fnomceo – a provision that allows health professionals, who have people’s lives and health in their hands, to be able to exercise without any control, either preventive or a posteriori, from part of the Orders. The Orders – they point out – are placed to guarantee the rights of citizens and this is a competence that we cannot and do not want to ignore. The risk is that what happened with healthcare advertising, a field in which the role of the Orders, will be repeated has been considerably scaled down in favor of competition, to the benefit of those who do not respect the rules and exposing citizens to serious risks. We must get away from these temporary,non-resolvable and poorly thought-out solutions which,extension after extension,become structural shortage of healthcare personnel – ask Mangiacavalli and Anelli – must be addressed in a systemic manner and characterized by solidity and rigor requirements,with equal rules for all professionals and identical guarantees for all citizens”.
What are the main concerns of the Fnopi and Fnomceo regarding the Flussi decree’s impact on healthcare in Italy?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Healthcare Regulation experts
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We’re discussing the recent Flussi decree and its implications for healthcare professionals in Italy. Could you start by explaining the core concerns raised by the presidents of the Fnopi and Fnomceo?
Expert: Absolutely. The main concern raised by Barbara Mangiacavalli and Filippo Anelli revolves around the Flussi decree’s potential to delegitimize professional associations by allowing foreign healthcare workers to practice in Italy without adequate regulation. This decree, passed by the Chamber of Deputies and set for discussion in the Senate, extends temporary practice permissions for foreign healthcare professionals, including nurses and doctors, until 2027. However, it lacks a robust evaluation of their qualifications, leading to serious ethical and safety concerns.
editor: That sounds troubling. What specific issues do they see arising from the lack of regulation for these foreign operators?
Expert: The primary issue is the absence of a monitoring and ethical control system. While the onyl stipulation is that foreign professionals must be registered in their country of origin, there’s no assessment of the equivalence of their qualifications or their training pathways. This means patients in Italy could be treated by individuals whose credentials remain unverified, effectively putting public health at risk. Mangiacavalli and Anelli highlight that this could echo past issues seen in healthcare advertising, where the lack of oversight has led to violations of established standards.
Editor: Given this context, what recommendations have the federations put forth to ensure better regulation of healthcare professionals in Italy?
Expert: They’re calling for immediate action from President Fedriga to approve a regulatory framework that levels the playing field for both italian and foreign healthcare professionals. This includes establishing a special registry managed by the professional orders, which would allow for better ethical oversight and load accountability. They emphasize that a systemic approach is vital to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare personnel—moving away from temporary fixes toward more sustainable solutions.
Editor: Are there any broader implications for citizens and healthcare in Italy stemming from this decree?
Expert: Absolutely. The implications are meaningful. Without stringent oversight, we risk compromising patient safety and the quality of care. Citizens deserve assurances that the professionals caring for them meet specific standards. The longer this lack of regulation persists,the more it could erode public trust in healthcare systems. Citizens may demand greater accountability from healthcare providers,and healthcare associations need to ensure that these professionals contribute positively to the system.
Editor: What practical advice can you offer readers who might be concerned about the quality of healthcare services under this decree?
Expert: It’s critically important for citizens to stay informed about who is providing their healthcare. Advocate for transparency about the qualifications of healthcare providers, and don’t hesitate to ask about their training and regulatory status. Engaging with local health advocacy groups can also amplify your voice in calling for stricter regulations and oversight. Ultimately,by being proactive,citizens can contribute to a safer healthcare habitat.
Editor: Thank you for your insights today. This is an critically important conversation on the future of healthcare regulation in italy and ensuring the safety and quality of care for all citizens.
Keywords: Flussi decree, healthcare regulation, Italian healthcare professionals, patient safety, healthcare quality, professional associations, ethical control in healthcare.