The disciplinary code for nurses and its contribution to the quality of nursing care in the Netherlands

Aim: To obtain insight into the contribution of the disciplinary code for nurses to monitoring the quality of nursing care in the Netherlands. Methods: Complaints dealt with in the period 1998–2001 were studied. Questionnaires were sent to 3200 nurses (71%), all 388 members of the disciplinary boards (89%) and 43 lawyers (65%). Results: There was an increase in the number of nurses who were accused (20 in 1998, 12 in 1999, 54 in 2000, and 56 in 2001) and also in the annual percentages of sanctions imposed (0% in 1998, 8% in 1999, 13% in 2000 and 16% in 2001). The disciplinary code appears to be an important corrective instrument for serious professional misconduct.