Over 40 non-disclosure contracts with healthcare professionals reported

The Dutch Healthcare Inspectorate received a total of 41 reports of patients or their relatives signing non-disclosure contracts with healthcare professionals. Minister Edith Schippers of Public Health called on the public to report such contracts, which are not illegal but considered "highly undesirable", NOS reports. The Inspectorate received reports about such contracts signed in various medical fields, including with specialists, hospitals, mental health care, disability care, elderly care and pharmaceutical companies. The contracts involved will be investigated to make sure that no unethical agreements were made. This would be the case, for example, if a contract forbids a patient or relative from going to the police or disciplinary court to report a mistake. Minister Schippers is investigating the possibility of banning such contracts in health care.