[Compulsory admission: developments in the Netherlands].
According to the Dutch Mental Health Act, there are three criteria governing compulsory admission to a psychiatric hospital: the subject himself does not agree with admission; he presents a danger to himself and others and the 'last resort' principles applies (i.e. there is no reasonable alternative). The criteria themselves are not under dispute, but certain elements relating to legislation and practice can be improved. International agreements and foreign legislation can serve as useful sources of introducing improvements into Dutch legislation.
Legemaate
J
J
VU medisch centrum, Instituut voor Extramuraal Geneeskundig Onderzoek, Sociale Geneeskunde, Amsterdam. j.legemaate@fed.knmg.nl
D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D028701:Patient Rights; D011787:Quality of Health Care