The Role of the Medical Examiner in the Euthanasia Notification Procedure in The Netherlands

This study explored the role of the medical examiner in euthanasia notification in The Netherlands, based on interviews of 116 medical examiners in 1996. There was considerable variation in the way in which medical examiners fulfilled their tasks. It is concluded that further specification of the medical examiner’s role would increase uniformity in the procedure. It should be determined whether it is the medical examiner’s responsibility to review whether or not the requirements for good practice have been met & if the general practitioner medical examiner is sufficiently independent to make an objective report. (8 refs.)