Decree on the Organization of Primary Care, Regional Healthcare Platforms, and Support for Primary Care Providers

Décret sur l'organisation des soins primaires

The Decree on the Organization of Primary Care, Regional Healthcare Platforms, and Support for Primary Care Providers is a comprehensive policy enacted by the Flemish Parliament and sanctioned by the Flemish Government. Its overarching objectives are to improve the accessibility and quality of primary care, foster integrated and interdisciplinary healthcare, and bolster support for primary care providers. The decree delineates primary care zones and providers, underscores the significance of integrated care and support, and advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals. The institutions and stakeholders integral to this policy include the Flemish Government, primary care providers, regional healthcare platforms, patients, and informal caregivers. The scope of the decree extends to the organization of primary care within specified zones, operational cooperation among healthcare actors, and the provision of coherent and continuous care. It applies to the Flemish community, defining primary care, providers, and integrated care, and promotes interdisciplinary cooperation with specific actions such as establishing care councils and supporting informal caregivers. The decree's main features involve legislative measures for implementation, collaboration between local administrations and healthcare providers, and support mechanisms for informal caregivers. The decree was enacted in 2019.