Obtaining a BIG registration is crucial for healthcare professionals in the Netherlands. This article covers what a BIG registration entails, who needs it, which organization is responsible for the registration, and the steps you need to follow to submit documents from abroad, such as a Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC) from the United States of America.
What is a BIG Registration?
A BIG registration is an official registration for healthcare providers in the Netherlands that meets the legal requirements for practicing their profession. The BIG register protects patients from incompetent and negligent practices by healthcare providers. The registration provides clarity about the competencies of healthcare providers and is essential for specific professions within the healthcare sector.
Who Needs a BIG Registration?
The BIG registration is mandatory for a wide range of healthcare professions. This includes doctors, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, psychotherapists, healthcare psychologists, nurses, midwives, and physician assistants. Anyone who wishes to practice these professions in the Netherlands must be registered to demonstrate their competence and qualifications.
Which Organization Handles the BIG Registration?
The BIG registration is managed by the CIBG, an executive agency of the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport. The CIBG carries out various statutory tasks in the healthcare sector, including maintaining the BIG register. More information can be found on their website www.bigregister.nl.
Submitting Documents from Abroad for Your BIG Registration
If you have worked abroad as a healthcare provider and wish to register in the BIG register, you need to submit various documents that prove you meet the legal requirements. An important document is the Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC), also known as a certificate of good behavior. This document is crucial to show that you have no criminal convictions that would hinder your ability to practice your profession.
What is a Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC)?
A CGC is a statement that confirms you have no criminal convictions. The document must be issued by a competent authority and must be no older than three months. The CGC must explicitly state that there are no criminal convictions against you.
Where Can You Apply for a CGC?
For healthcare providers who need a CGC from the United States, you must request an Identity History Summary Check (IdHSC) from the FBI. This process involves taking fingerprints and checking your criminal background.
Requirements for a CGC
The CGC must be original or a certified copy. Digital versions are only accepted if they include a numerical code or QR code that allows the authenticity of the document to be verified by the issuing authority. When you need a certificate from the USA, the digital version often does not have a numerical code that is accepted by the CIBG. Therefore, you must submit the original.
How to Submit a CGC
The original or certified CGC must be sent by post to the BIG register. If the authority sends the document directly to the BIG register, you do not need to send it yourself. If the authority only provides a statement by email, it must be sent directly by the authority to the BIG register. It is best to have the certificate from the USA sent directly to the CIBG. If you have the document sent to your own address, make sure not to open the envelope and send it in the sealed envelope to the CIBG.
Translated Documents and Further Requirements
All documents must be submitted in the original language and translated into Dutch, English, German, or French by a sworn translator. Ensure that the authenticity of the documents can be verified. Original documents will be returned after processing.
Need a CGC from Another Country?
In this article, we used the certificate from the USA as an example because it is the most commonly requested certificate through our company. If you need a CGC from another country and have any questions, please feel free to let us know.
