[Why the Royal Dutch Medical Association does not blindly follow the euthanasia review committees]

The provisions of the Dutch Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide Act are not always as clear as were originally hoped for. This also holds true with respect to the provision on the role of an advance directive in a case where the patient is no longer able to express his or her will. Euthanasia Review Committees now tend to interpret this provision broadly, although not always in a consistent way. The Royal Dutch Medical Association has its own responsibility in interpreting this provision in a way consistent with the professional standard.