How Health Care Institutions in The Netherlands Approach Physician Assisted Death

This article discusses Netherlands health care institutions with reference to institutions for the mentally handicapped, psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, & general hospitals. Regarding patient’s decisions toward the end of life, 3 responsibilties for hospitals are noted: attend to needs of the patient; offer professional expertise & experience; & execute responsibilities entrusted by society. While some Netherlands hospitals are very open about euthanasia, most consider it just one option.