title: [Communicable diseases law: new legislation for infectious disease control].
abstract: On April 1st, 1999 the new law on control of infectious diseases (the Infectious Diseases Act) came into effect. This law replaces former legislation, largely dating from 1928. The Infectious Diseases Act legally enables the government to take action against the spread of infectious diseases. This legal base is necessary because constitutional rights of individuals might be affected. The Infectious Diseases Act only applies to diseases specifically mentioned in the law. The Act regulates the statutory notification and the enforceable actions the authorities can take to protect the community. The mayors of municipalities decide on the appropriate measures, acting on advice of the municipal or regional public health agencies. The Infectious Diseases Act does not provide for detailed regulations regarding the control of infectious diseases but contains obligations that are the end piece of a policy continuum.
authors.affiliation: Universiteit Maastricht, Faculteit der Gezondheidswetenschappen, sectie Gezondheidsrecht.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Dute
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: van Wijngaarden
mesh_terms: D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D018672:Community Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D016358:Contact Tracing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D018563:Disease Notification / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D011634:Public Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*
vernacular_title: Infectieziektenwet: nieuwe wetgeving voor de infectieziektebestrijding.