General Health Law & Patient Rights

General healthcare law covers the legislation and regulations that define the legal position of both patients and healthcare professionals. This includes, for example, the Dutch BIG Act, which sets out the rights and obligations of healthcare professionals.

Patients’ rights in relation to healthcare providers are primarily laid down in the Medical Treatment Agreement Act (WGBO). These include, among other things:

• The obligation to maintain a medical record
• The right of access to the patient file
• Medical confidentiality

In practice, the application of these rights and obligations is not always straightforward. Diagnostic and treatment decisions can give rise to conflicting interests and legal or ethical dilemmas. In those situations, you want clarity on how to act.

Careful decisions in a sensitive context

Our specialists support healthcare institutions and individual practitioners in issues, disputes and proceedings arising from the treatment relationship. Our starting point is to prevent unnecessary litigation and focus on pragmatic, workable solutions.

Where possible, we seek dialogue with those involved to reach an amicable resolution. At the same time, we stand ready to act decisively when needed.

Our specialists are members of the Association for Health Law (VGR).

Our expertise

• Requests for access to patient records
• Applications for Wbmv licences
• Issues relating to the Ambulance Care Facilities Act

Who do we work for?

We work for healthcare entrepreneurs, healthcare providers in the cure and care sectors, the medical and medical devices industry, and local authorities.