The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has recommended that the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) mandate the opening of health care IT systems. This initiative aims to facilitate secure connections between various suppliers and health care providers, ultimately promoting innovation in health care technology.

ACM identifies the lack of openness in health care information systems as a significant barrier to progress. Currently, many of these systems are closed, preventing other suppliers from developing or testing new IT services. This situation stifles innovation, limits choices for health care providers, and increases administrative costs, which can negatively impact the quality of care for patients.

To address these issues, ACM has been monitoring the health care IT market and has concluded that it is not functioning effectively. The authority lacks the necessary tools to enforce structural changes, which is why it is advocating for legislative action from the Ministry of VWS. ACM suggests utilizing the Dutch Act on Electronic Data Exchange in Health Care to impose sector-wide requirements for the openness of IT systems while ensuring strict information security protocols.

ACM believes that well-functioning IT markets are essential for a sustainable health care information system. Open systems would enable timely and effective data exchange, fostering innovation and improving the quality, accessibility, and affordability of health care in the Netherlands. This focus on health care IT aligns with ACM's broader initiative, The Digital Economy.