Former nurses and doctors welcome back in profession
Nurses and doctors whose registration in the Dutch Healthcare Professionals (BIG) Register expired after 1 January 2018 may take up their former profession, medical care minister Bruno Bruins has decided. They do not need to go through the registration process again. The minister is allowing this exception because the healthcare sector urgently needs more staff to deal effectively with the coronavirus outbreak. The measure is effective immediately and applies until further notice.
Mr Bruins will also ensure that the obligation to renew registration for healthcare occupations defined in section 3 of the Healthcare Professions Act is suspended until further notice. Professionals in these occupations, like doctors and nurses, normally have to renew their registration every five years. This measure will prevent healthcare staff – every one of whom is crucial at this time – from being struck off the register and no longer being allowed to do their job.
‘Every day I’m getting messages from people that they want to help their former healthcare colleagues,’ Mr Bruins said. ‘It’s heartwarming that so many people are volunteering to help. These measures will enable healthcare institutions to benefit from the experience and expertise of these former nurses and doctors.’