EU cross-border healthcare guaranteed under new directive
European Union citizens will now be allowed to receive health care in another member state if the patients are entitled to this treatment in their country of affiliation.The Council of the European Union - in charge of employment, social policy, health and consumer affairs - has agreed on a draft directive concerning patients' rights in cross-border health care.The directive contains the caveat, however, that member states may "limit the application of the rules on reimbursement for cross-border health care" if it proves unworkable.The directive contains various provisions. Member states of treatment will have to ensure, via national contact points, thatpatients from other EU countries receive information on safety and quality standards on their territory. Co-operation between member states in the field of health care must also be strengthened and there has to be greater recognition of prescriptions issued in another member state.The full text of the Council of the European Union press release is available here.