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Developments in European Union law have created rules favourable to cross-border patient movement. However, where national laws on patient rights differ, this may limit movement by creating confusion for patients and by reducing their confidence in seeking treatment abroad. This artide examines the extent to which English and French law recognize a patient right to information regarding treatment. In light of the differences between the two systems concerning both the form and the con:ent of the law, highlighted by recent developments in French law, the artide then considers whether the Patients' Rights Directive can provide a framework for coordination of national rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the Good Regulatory Practices (GRP), a quality system developed by the European Union (EU) authorities for medicinal products. With the EU enlargement in 2004, there was a need to prepare the candidate countries so that legislation and practices related to medicinal products would be equivalent in all member states and in the European Economic Area countries. For that purpose, the Pan-European Regulatory Forum (PERF) was created, which went through several stages of development between 1999 and 2004. By the end of PERF I, the GRP was developed during PERF II. The GRP is designed to ensure that the users of medicinal products, the applicants and the regulators are satisfied with the scientific advice, opinions, the establishment of Maximum Residue Levels, inspection and assessment reports and related documents, taking into consideration legal requirements and guidance in order to protect and promote human and animal health.