The second phase of the evaluation of the Compulsory Mental Health Care Act (Wvggz) and the Care and Coercion Act (Wzd) was recently published. Alzheimer Nederland, KansPlus, LSR, LFB, Per Saldo and Elke(in) are unpleasantly surprised by the recommendations. That is why we have brought a number of points to the attention of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives. Everyone reports that.
The Wvggz and Wzd must safeguard the legal position of people with a psychiatric disorder, intellectual disability, psychogeriatric disorder and similar disorders, who are involved in involuntary care. The second phase of the evaluation of the law is highly critical of the Wvggz and the Wzd. The researchers arrive at a large number of recommendations, which they believe have been put forward by various respondents.
However, the evaluation lacks the perspective of the people (and their loved ones) who have to deal with involuntary care. While it is just as important, partly on the basis of the UN Convention on Handicap, to involve them in developments and the implementation of policy and legislation. And together with the client and family organizations involved, to safeguard the client’s perspective in the event of any adjustments or amendments to the law.
There is also a lack of attention for the positive experiences with the Wzd. These experiences also offer the perspective of the client and representative on the benefits of the laws in practice. The evaluation is therefore one-sided and incomplete.
Take more time for proper implementation of the Wzd
Practice also shows that major efforts are still needed to properly implement the law. Despite the fact that the Wzd has been in force for three years, it has not yet been properly implemented by all healthcare providers. The implementation of the Wzd for people who use a PGB is also not properly arranged on some points. In addition, many healthcare professionals still have too little knowledge about the Wzd. This also applies to people (and their loved ones) who have to deal with involuntary care. This is apparent, for example, from a survey that Elke(in) has conducted among the persons and their representatives who have to deal with the law.
Everyone therefore asks the minister to enforce the current law, to encourage its implementation and to continue to safeguard the legal position of people who have to deal with involuntary care.
By: National Care Guide