New on 1 November: Euthanasia fee for doctors and more autonomy for home nurses
From new rules on euthanasia fees to more autonomy for home nurses: here is what changes in Belgium on Saturday 1 November.
From 1 November, doctors in Belgium will receive an official fee for performing euthanasia, the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (Riziv) announced. The procedure will now be fully reimbursed by health insurance, meaning patients and their families will no longer have to pay for it themselves.
Until now, euthanasia was not covered by compulsory health insurance. By adding it to the reimbursement system, the cost - including materials, the procedure itself, confirmation of death and completing official documents - will be covered by the mutuality. Doctors will receive an official fee of 180.24 euros for each procedure.
“We’re cutting unnecessary administration so that caregivers can focus on their patients”
Also starting 1 November, home nurses will be allowed to perform more care tasks without needing a separate prescription. This includes injections, wound care and catheter procedures. The aim is to give nurses more independence and reduce paperwork.
Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke said the change would help ease workload pressures: “We’re cutting unnecessary administration so that caregivers can focus on their patients. This makes home care more manageable for everyone.”
A nurse walks with a patient in Bonheiden’s Imelda hospital © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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