what tense to use in this sentence

[Unregistered]

Hello

I am wondering why someone use "recommends" in this sentence.

Dr. Smith's report to his family doctor in January of last year recommends that he attend a vocational testing.

Could someone help to explain why the writer is using a present tense in this case (report done in January of last year)

thank you.

[bhaisahab]

Hello

I am wondering why someone use "recommends" in this sentence.

Dr. Smith's report to his family doctor in January of last year recommends that he attend a vocational testing.

Could someone help to explain why the writer is using a present tense in this case (report done in January of last year)

thank you.

Both present and past tense could be appropriate. If the speaker has Dr. Smith's report in his hand when he speaks, he could refer to it in the present tense.
Or, if he were referring back to a previous report, he could use the past tense.