Criminal proceedings

Where a medical practitioner's conduct in providing care is such that a criminal offence may have been committed where there have been serious consequences for the patient or client, the inspectorate may institute a formal investigation and may report the matter to the appropriate authorities. It is for the Public Prosecution Service to decide whether the matter is to be taken to trial.

The Inspectorate not only reports serious incidents to the Public Prosecution Service, but will often liaise with prosecutors in an early stage. The two organisations have formalised their cooperation by means of an 'enforcement agreement'. The Inspectorate also works closely with other official investigation agencies, including the Fiscal Information and Investigation Service/Economic Investigation Service (FIOD-ECD) and Dutch Customs.