The Directive on the Application of Patients' Rights in Cross Border Healthcare was published in the EU Official Journal on 4th April 2011 and the transposition period of 30 months commenced on 24th April 2011. Member States have until October 2013 to implement the Directive. The purpose of this Directive is to establish a clear legal framework to facilitate cross border healthcare with a focus on patient rights, information for patients on entitlements and patient choice. Given the complexity of the issues to be considered, both nationally and between Member States, it is envisaged that the transposition of the Directive into Irish law will be completed within the transposition time frame of October 2013.