Professional statute

The professional statute of ADHD Medisch Centrum is an essential document that sets out the rights, obligations, responsibilities and mutual relationships of everyone involved within the institution. This document serves as a guideline to safeguard the professional autonomy of practitioners, while the quality and continuity of the care provided to clients remain central.

ADHD Medisch Centrum is a specialised institution focused on the diagnostics, treatment and support of people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We offer tailored care and work together in a multidisciplinary way to support patients in improving their daily functioning. Our care is characterised by scientifically substantiated treatment methods, personal attention and an integrated approach in which medical, psychological and social aspects are combined.

This statute has been drawn up with the aim of:

• Laying down clear agreements on responsibilities and powers within the institution.
• Safeguarding the professional autonomy of practitioners, in line with the applicable laws and regulations and professional standards.
• Promoting transparency and unambiguous communication within ADHD Medisch Centrum.
• Creating a legal framework that protects the interests of clients, employees and the organisation.

ADHD Medisch Centrum strives to provide care of the highest quality. We do this by basing ourselves on current scientific insights, a client-centred approach, and close collaboration between all disciplines involved. The professional statute is an important instrument in realising our mission, vision and values.

The document consists of several parts. First, the principles of this statute are described. Next, the chapter on definitions explains the key concepts, so that everyone involved uses the same interpretation. The legal framework gives an overview of the relevant laws and regulations that form the basis for this statute. The responsibilities, powers and mutual relationships are worked out in detail, so that all employees have clear insight into their role within the centre.

With this professional statute, we aim to create a working climate in which professionalism, transparency and collaboration are central. It forms a solid basis for daily practice and provides guidance in dealing with ethical dilemmas, legal issues and complex situations that may arise in the provision of care.

ADHD Medisch Centrum values the input of employees and clients. This statute has been drawn up in consultation and is periodically evaluated and adjusted in order to continue to meet the needs of clients and employees.

The professional statute of ADHD Medisch Centrum is based on a number of principles that form the core of our vision of care, collaboration and professionalism. These principles guide our daily work and support the mission and values of the organisation.

2.1. Quality of care

ADHD Medisch Centrum strives for high-quality, effective and client-centred care that meets the most recent professional standards. Our care is scientifically substantiated and is provided by qualified professionals who work together in a multidisciplinary way to achieve the best results.

2.2. Professional autonomy

The professional autonomy of practitioners is central to the provision of care. Practitioners act in accordance with the professional standard, based on current scientific insights and ethical guidelines. At the same time, autonomy is weighed against the organisational responsibility to safeguard the quality and continuity of care.

2.3. Multidisciplinary collaboration

The centre works from a multidisciplinary approach, in which practitioners, co-practitioners and support staff work together closely. This collaboration is crucial for an integrated approach to ADHD and related problems. Within this collaboration, the specific expertise and responsibility of each discipline are taken into account.

2.4. Client focus and tailored care

The needs of the client are central to our care. We believe in a tailored approach, in which the treatment fits the personal situation, wishes and goals of the client. This requires an empathetic and respectful approach, in which the autonomy of the client is respected.

2.5. Transparency and communication

Clear communication and transparency are essential for effective collaboration between practitioners, clients and others involved. ADHD Medisch Centrum strives for openness in the provision of information, both internally and externally, in order to promote trust and clarity.

2.6. Legal and ethical responsibility

ADHD Medisch Centrum acts in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations, including the Healthcare Quality, Complaints and Disputes Act (Wkkgz), the Medical Treatment Contracts Act (Wgbo), and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, in Dutch: AVG). In addition, ethical standards are observed when making decisions that have an impact on the client and the organisation.

2.7. Continuous learning and improvement

As an organisation, ADHD Medisch Centrum strives for a culture of continuous improvement. This means that employees are encouraged to keep learning, both individually and together, and that the organisation adapts to new insights and changing circumstances.

2.8. Respect and equality

Within ADHD Medisch Centrum, there is a culture of respect and equality. This applies to dealings with clients, but also between employees. Every contribution is valued, and we strive for a safe and inclusive working environment.

2.9. Accountability and verifiability

Professional conduct within ADHD Medisch Centrum is transparent and verifiable. Employees are accountable for their actions, both to clients and to colleagues and managers. In addition, internal processes are regularly evaluated in order to safeguard the quality of care and to improve it where necessary.

The following terms are used in this statute. To avoid misunderstandings, these terms are defined below.

3.1. Practitioner

A professional working within ADHD Medisch Centrum who is directly involved in the diagnostics, treatment, support or care of clients. This may be a psychiatrist, physician (basisarts), psychologist, healthcare psychologist (GZ-psycholoog), nurse specialist, psychotherapist or other healthcare provider, as defined in the Individual Healthcare Professions Act (Wet BIG).

3.2. Patient

Anyone who has a treatment agreement with us and/or has been entrusted to our care. The practitioner supports or treats the client on the basis of the request for help.

3.3. Institution

ADHD Medisch Centrum as an organisation, consisting of a partnership of professionals and support staff who provide care in accordance with the objectives and vision of the institution.

3.4. Board of Directors

The highest managing body within ADHD Medisch Centrum, responsible for strategic policy, general business operations and supervision of the quality of care.

3.5. Professional standard

The standard of professional conduct, based on the most recent scientific insights, guidelines and protocols within mental health care, as established by professional associations and other relevant bodies.

3.6. Professional autonomy

The freedom of a practitioner to make independent decisions about the content and delivery of care within the limits of the professional standard and the organisational agreements.

3.7. Provision of care

The whole of activities and interventions, carried out by practitioners and other healthcare providers, aimed at promoting health, reducing symptoms and improving the functioning of the client.

3.8. Treatment

The process of diagnostics, intervention, support and evaluation is carried out by qualified practitioners, aimed at reducing symptoms and improving the daily functioning of the client.

3.9. Treatment agreement

The agreement between the client and ADHD Medisch Centrum in which the rights and obligations of both parties with regard to the provision of care are laid down. This agreement is entered into in accordance with the Medical Treatment Contracts Act (Wgbo).

3.10. Treatment plan

A written document in which the goals, interventions, frequency and expected results of the treatment are laid down. The treatment plan is drawn up in consultation with the client and forms the basis for the provision of care.

Care within ADHD Medisch Centrum is provided within a clear legal framework. This framework serves to protect the rights of clients, to safeguard the quality of care, and to define the responsibilities and powers of the practitioners involved. The laws and regulations below form the basis of legal conduct within the organisation.

4.1. The Healthcare Quality, Complaints and Disputes Act (Wkkgz)

The Wkkgz is aimed at promoting the quality of care and offering clients an accessible way to make complaints and disputes known. ADHD Medisch Centrum meets the requirements of the Wkkgz by:

• Registering and handling complaints from clients in a careful manner.
• Offering a complaints officer to assist clients.
• Participating in a recognised disputes body that can issue binding decisions.
• Reporting incidents and calamities to the Inspectie Gezondheidszorg en Jeugd (IGJ, the Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate).

4.2. Medical Treatment Contracts Act (Wgbo)

The Wgbo governs the rights and obligations of clients and practitioners in the context of the treatment agreement. Within ADHD Medisch Centrum, this is put into practice by:

• Providing clients with clear information about the diagnosis, treatment and risks.
• Obtaining the informed consent of the client before the treatment.
• Keeping a medical record in which all relevant data are recorded.
• Respecting the privacy of clients and protecting their data.

4.3. Individual Healthcare Professions Act (Wet BIG)

The Wet BIG aims to safeguard the quality of healthcare providers and to protect clients against incompetent and careless conduct. ADHD Medisch Centrum works with healthcare providers who are authorised and competent under the Wet BIG. This means:

• That healthcare providers are registered in the BIG register and are authorised to practise their profession.
• That treatments are carried out within the limits of the professional standard.
• That practitioners comply with the rules of disciplinary law as described in the Wet BIG.

4.4. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, in Dutch: AVG)

The GDPR lays down rules for the processing of personal data within the European Union. ADHD Medisch Centrum acts in accordance with this legislation by:

• Collecting, processing and storing data in a secure and lawful manner.
• Limiting the processing of personal data to what is strictly necessary for the provision of care.
• Providing clients with transparent information about the way in which their data are used.
• Safeguarding the rights of clients, such as the right to access, correction and deletion of data.

4.5. Legal liability for professional practice

Within ADHD Medisch Centrum, special attention is paid to the legal liability for professional practice. Practitioners and the organisation are obliged to act with due care and to prevent any harm to clients. In cases of negligence, carelessness or incompetence:

• The practitioner may be held liable for damage resulting from his or her actions.
• The organisation may be held liable for shortcomings in the provision of care.

4.6. Disciplinary law

Practitioners within ADHD Medisch Centrum are subject to disciplinary law as laid down in the Wet BIG. The purpose of disciplinary law is to promote the quality of care and to protect clients against careless conduct. Practitioners can be held to account for their professional responsibility when they:

• Act contrary to the care that may be expected of them as a healthcare provider.
• Perform actions that are not in accordance with the professional standard or the laws and regulations.

Within ADHD Medisch Centrum, responsibilities and powers have been carefully defined in order to safeguard collaboration, transparency and quality of care. The role of the main officers and teams is set out below.

5.1. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors and the management bear final responsibility for the policy, the strategy and the quality of care within ADHD Medisch Centrum. Their tasks and powers include:

• Strategic direction: Developing, implementing and evaluating the strategic policy in line with the mission and vision of the organisation.
• Quality assurance: Monitoring the quality and safety of care and compliance with the relevant laws and regulations, such as the Wkkgz and the GDPR.
• Organisation and resources: Organising efficient and effective business operations, including personnel policy and financial control.
• Accountability: Rendering internal and external account of policy, results and incidents, including to supervisory bodies and stakeholders.
• Decision-making: Establishing frameworks for professional autonomy and multidisciplinary collaboration.

The management maintains active contact with the practitioners, employees and clients to ensure that policy and implementation are aligned.

5.2. The practitioners

Practitioners are professionals who are directly involved in the provision of care and are responsible for the diagnostics, treatment and support of clients. Their responsibilities include:

• Diagnostics and treatment: Determining the client’s care needs and carrying out appropriate treatments, based on scientifically substantiated methods.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration: Working with other healthcare providers within and outside ADHD Medisch Centrum in order to tailor the care optimally to the needs of the client.
• Accountability: Acting in accordance with the professional standard and being accountable for this to the lead practitioner (regiebehandelaar) or the management.
• Quality and safety: Identifying risks and contributing to quality improvement within the institution.
• Privacy and ethics: Complying with the GDPR and other ethical guidelines regarding the handling of client data.

5.3. Medical director

The medical director plays a coordinating role and is responsible for:

• Quality of care: Safeguarding a high level of care by supervising compliance with guidelines and protocols.
• Assignment of lead practitioners: Ensuring that each client is assigned a lead practitioner.
• Support for practitioners: Facilitating and supporting practitioners in their professional development and daily work.
• Supervision: Monitoring treatment processes and care pathways, with a focus on continuity and efficiency.

5.4. The role of lead practitioner and the associated tasks and responsibilities

The lead practitioner is responsible for the overall direction of the care process of the client. This means:

• Treatment plan: Drawing up, establishing and coordinating the treatment plan in consultation with the client and co-practitioners.
• Process monitoring: Overseeing the implementation of the treatment plan and making adjustments where necessary.
• Evaluation: Regularly evaluating the progress, effectiveness and client satisfaction, and reporting on this to the head of treatment affairs.
• Coordination: Coordinating multidisciplinary consultations and ensuring a clear division of tasks among practitioners.

The lead practitioner is also the point of contact for the client and their social environment for questions or uncertainties about the treatment.

5.5. The disciplines and requirements of lead practitioners in specialised mental health care (SGGZ)

Within specialised mental health care (Specialistische GGZ, SGGZ), lead practitioners are expected to have the following qualifications:

• Expertise: A BIG registration and additional specialisations appropriate to the complexity of the target group.
• Experience: Demonstrable experience in directing multidisciplinary care processes.
• Competences: Skills in the areas of collaboration, decision-making and client-centred working.

Within ADHD Medisch Centrum, we work with various disciplines, including psychiatrists, healthcare psychologists (GZ-psychologen), and nurse specialists.

5.6. Co-practitioner

Co-practitioners support the lead practitioner by carrying out specific tasks, such as diagnostics or interventions, within their own area of expertise. Their tasks include:

• Implementation: Carrying out parts of the treatment plan under the direction of the lead practitioner.
• Reporting: Reporting findings and results to the lead practitioner in good time.
• Collaboration: Actively taking part in multidisciplinary consultations and coordinating with other healthcare providers.

5.7. Provision of care

Care within ADHD Medisch Centrum is aimed at:

• Personal approach: Providing tailored care, adapted to the unique needs of the client.
• Multidisciplinary: Bringing together different disciplines in order to achieve an integrated range of care.
• Quality standard: Working according to scientifically substantiated guidelines and protocols.

5.8. Process responsibility

Process responsibility means that each professional is responsible for:

• Accurate implementation: Carrying out assigned tasks within the treatment process.
• Communication: Ensuring a clear and timely exchange of information between those involved.
• Coordination: Identifying bottlenecks and making suggestions for improvement in order to safeguard the continuity of care.

5.9. Record-keeping, provision of information to third parties

Practitioners within ADHD Medisch Centrum are responsible for:

• Record-keeping: Keeping a complete, accurate and up-to-date record for each client.
• Provision of information: Providing data to third parties only with the explicit consent of the client, unless required by law.
• Retention periods: Retaining records in accordance with the statutory retention periods.

5.10. Business operations

Business operations within ADHD Medisch Centrum focus on optimising processes and supporting employees in their daily work. This includes:

• Efficiency: Organising an efficient deployment of resources and staff.
• Facilities: Providing adequate facilities and technology to support the provision of care.
• Evaluation: Regular evaluation of processes and implementation of improvements.