Keywords: task reallocation, reserved procedures, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, temporary registration, BIG-register, Dutch Individual Healthcare Professions Act (BIG Act)

“BIG issues; evaluation of the effects of granting legal Authority to Dutch Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants to independently perform reserved medical procedures”

As from 2012, not only doctors but also nurse practitioners and physician assistants are allowed to independently indicate and perform some medical tasks (or have these performed). By order of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the effectiveness and efficiency of this temporary task reallocation was studied. This dissertation shows that nurse practitioners and physician assistants perform catheterisations, surgical procedures, injections, punctures and medication prescriptions at a high level of independency. In addition, the care processes involved are more efficient, legal requirements are met and adverse side effects are absent. The minister has been advised to reallocate these tasks permanently. This has recently been realised.