GP not authorised to issue a medical certificate

Helmie Groennews

Your doctor cannot issue a ‘medical certificate’ (also known as a doctor’scertificate). In doing so, your doctor acts in accordance with the rules issued by the
Royal Dutch Medical Association (KNMG), the professional organisation for physicians. Your own doctor needs to be able to concentrateon your treatment. In order to do so, it is important
to have a good relationship of trust with you. This relationship of trust may be adversely affected if your own doctor states an opinion that is unfavourable for you. It is necessary to avoid situations in which you and your doctor enter into conflict as a result. There must therefore be a clear boundary between the treatment and the assessment of whether you are eligible for certain facilities or services. This means that nothing will prevent you from giving your own doctor all the information required for your treatment. It also benefits you if the examination is conducted by a doctor who is familiar with the specific requirements for the allocation of the facility or service you are requesting. Your own doctor does not have all the knowledge required. This also makes it impossible for your own doctor to make a valid assessment.
You can ask the medical assistant or your doctor for more information.