Your rights

What treatment do you receive when you are ill? And do you have a say in that? These rights are described in a special law: the Medical Treatment Agreement Act (WGBO).

Right to information

The WGBO states that you always have the right to information about your illness, the tests, possible treatments, the advantages and disadvantages of these treatments, and what they mean for you.

Feel free to ask the physician any questions you have so you know exactly what to expect. See the page Questions you can ask for tips on questions you can ask.

It is also important that you share information about your own health. This helps your physician take this into account during your treatment.

If you prefer not to receive certain information, you can also say so. If you would like to speak with another physician, that is always possible. This is called a second opinion.

Giving consent

The WGBO also states that a physician must ask you and/or your parents for permission before a test or treatment.

Who decides: you, your parents, or together?

Are you younger than 12 years old?
You cannot make decisions about treatment yourself yet. Your parents give permission for tests or treatment on your behalf. They should still involve you in the decision, which means you also need to be well informed.

Are you between 12 and 16 years old?
You and your parents make decisions together. Both you and your parents give permission for tests or treatment. Your preference is very important in this decision.

Are you 16 years or older?
You make your own decisions about your treatment, and permission from your parents is not required. Your parents will only receive information if you agree.

Access to your medical record

You and/or your parents can access your medical record digitally or request a copy of it. Your lead physician or the medical assistant can tell you more about this.

Are you younger than 12 years old?
Your parents have access to your medical record.

Are you 12 years or older?
You can log in with your DigiD through the Patient portal You can also give your parents permission to access your medical record.

At the Princess Máxima Center, your medical record is usually kept indefinitely. We do this because we want to continue providing the best possible care, even after your treatment. If you do not want your data to be kept that long, you can ask for (part of) your information to be deleted or changed earlier.

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