Identity document in healthcare
A duty to provide proof of identity applies in the healthcare sector. This means that you have to show a valid identity document to your care provider (such as your GP, dentist, pharmacy or hospital). This is particularly important for any first visit to a care provider, so as to link your medical data to the correct Citizen Service Number (BSN in Dutch).
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This is what your care provider registers of you
The first time you visit a care provider, said provider is required to verify your identity and list your BSN in its records.
- The care provider will check your identity using your ID (such as a passport or ID card). This may be done by 'reading' the data using a scanning device. Your care provider is not permitted to make a copy of your ID, but is required to list the type and registration number of your ID in its records.
- You care provider will retrieve your BSN from a register. In some cases, your care provider is required to provide data to other organisations, such as your health insurer, other care workers or providers, or an organisation that will be determining whether you need a certain kind of care. In these cases, they need to be sure that they are sharing the correct data about the correct person. That is why your care provider includes your BSN to ensure that the recipients can link the data to the correct person. Read more about the use of your BSN in healthcare.
In case of an emergency, there is no need for you to show your ID to your care provider immediately. You can do so within 14 days at the latest.
Patient card or hospital card
Hospitals may use a patient card with a photo, so you do not need to show your ID during every (follow-up) consultation. This is also called a hospital card. Having such a card is not mandatory. Do you not want a hospital card with your photo on it? Then you are allowed to refuse this. The hospital is obliged to inform you properly about this, as well as explain to you clearly when and how you will need be able to show your ID.
For healthcare providers: no copy ID to CIZ
Do you, as a care provider, apply to the Care Needs Assessment Centre (CIZ) for an indication for a patient? In that case, you are obliged to provide the CIZ with your BSN under the Processing of Personal Data in Healthcare (Additional Provisions) Act (Wabvpz in Dutch).
You are not required or permitted to provide the CIZ with a copy, scan or photo of your ID. When contacting any client, the CIZ is required to establish the client's identity themselves, by reviewing the client’s ID.