Cyprus is preparing a major overhaul of its health certification system, with a draft law proposing a single framework governing the issuance of health certificates for a wide range of professions, licences and public appointments.
Among the most significant changes is a requirement for first-time drivers to obtain a health certificate before receiving a driving licence, while students would also be included under the new regime.
Health certificate required before first driving licence
Under the proposed legislation, anyone applying for a motor vehicle driving licence for the first time would be required to obtain a health certificate as part of the application process.
This would mark a significant departure from current practice, where a health certificate is generally required only for specific licence categories, older drivers and certain special cases.
The bill establishes a separate category for "New Drivers", making health certification a standard requirement for first-time applicants.
Three driver categories
The proposal distinguishes between three groups of drivers:
- Professional drivers.
- New drivers.
- Drivers aged over 70.
For drivers over 70, the certificate would continue to be linked to licence renewal.
The legislation does not specify which medical, laboratory or imaging examinations will be required for new drivers. Those details are expected to be determined at a later stage.
Wide range of professions covered
The Health Ministry says the aim is to create a uniform system to replace the different rules, examinations and validity periods currently applied across various sectors.
Professions included in the proposed framework include:
- Beauticians.
- Police officers.
- Tattoo artists.
- Professional drivers.
- Professional divers and diving instructors.
- Healthcare professionals.
- Cleaners and hotel housekeeping staff.
- Hairdressers and barbers.
- Lifeguards.
- Kindergarten teachers and school escorts.
- Private security personnel.
- Firefighters and forest firefighters.
- School canteen staff.
- Adult carers.
- Food handlers.
- Crane and lifting-equipment operators.
Beyond professional groups
The bill also extends to several non-professional categories, including:
- Hunters.
- Prospective adoptive parents.
- Drivers over 70.
- Applicants for appointments in the public and educational services.
- Speedboat operators.
Students included
One of the most notable provisions concerns university and college students.
Article 39 states broadly that "students are required to obtain a health certificate".
As currently drafted, the provision does not limit the requirement to students in healthcare disciplines or those undertaking clinical placements.
The wording therefore appears to apply generally to students unless amended during the legislative process.
New certification process
The legislation would also create an official Register of Examining Doctors.
Eligible practitioners would include:
- General practitioners.
- Internal medicine specialists.
- Occupational health physicians.
- Other specialties approved by the competent authority.
Doctors not included in the register would be unable to issue the certificates covered by the legislation.
Applicants would:
- Submit an application and supporting documents.
- Complete a self-assessment form.
- Undergo a clinical examination.
- Be referred to a specialist if necessary.
The applicant would bear the cost of the certificate, although fees have yet to be determined.
The maximum validity period of individual certificates will also be set at a later stage.
The certificate would confirm that the applicant is medically fit for the relevant profession, licence, appointment or activity and that their health condition does not pose a risk to public health.
Criminal penalties included
The draft law provides for criminal sanctions in cases involving false information or deliberate deception.
Anyone who knowingly provides false information in the self-assessment process or deliberately circumvents procedures in a way that results in the issuance of a certificate could commit a criminal offence.
Penalties would also apply where an individual deliberately fails to disclose a serious illness or symptoms that emerge while a certificate remains valid and that could pose a risk to public health.
Possible penalties include:
- Up to three months' imprisonment.
- A fine of up to €3,000.
- Or both.
Criminal prosecutions could only be initiated by, or with the consent of, the Attorney General.
Right of appeal
Applicants who dispute a refusal, suspension or revocation of a certificate would have the right to appeal within 15 days.
Appeals would be reviewed by a three-member medical committee.
The legislation is expected to enter into force six months after publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic.
