Does my doctor have to explain my condition and get my consent for treatment? Can I ask for an interpreter?

What is not allowed, what is required?

• You have the right to the information you need to understand your state of health (art. 7). It must be given to you in a way that suits you, and in writing if you ask for it.
• Before any procedure, you must be informed and give your consent freely (art. 8). You can refuse or withdraw your consent. If you are unable to decide, the representative you chose in advance exercises your rights. If there is none, first comes the court-appointed guardian of the person (bewindvoerder), then your cohabiting spouse or your (legal or de facto) cohabiting partner. If there is none of these either, then, in this order, your adult child, your parents and your adult brother or sister. If there is no one, the treating healthcare professional looks after your interests (art. 14).
• You have the right to see your patient file and get a copy. The request must be dealt with within 15 days at the latest; the first copy is free (art. 9).
• You are free to choose your doctor (art. 6). A person you trust (vertrouwenspersoon / personne de confiance) can accompany you. To make a complaint, you can contact the patients' rights ombudsman (ombudsdienst / service de médiation) (art. 11).
• The law does not explicitly mention a right to an interpreter. But many hospitals have state-funded intercultural mediators (interculturele bemiddelaar / médiateur interculturel); this service can also be provided by video call. Ask the hospital's intercultural mediation service or its social work department.

Penalty and indirect consequences

Why does this rule exist?

Patients must be able to make informed decisions about their own bodies. The law protects trust between doctor and patient and the patient's autonomy.