Richtlijn

Richtlijn is a document that provides recommendations or instructions intended to guide decision-making and standardize practices in a field. It can be issued by governmental bodies, professional associations, international organizations or regulatory agencies. In Dutch, the term is used for both general guidelines and formal directives, with the EU term directive translated as richtlijn. A richtlijn is typically non-binding in itself, offering preferred methods, criteria, or thresholds rather than strict requirements; however, when a directive or guideline is incorporated into national law or policy, it can have legal or administrative obligations.

In healthcare, clinical richtlijnen summarize evidence and propose diagnostic and treatment options, target outcomes, and management pathways. In governance or administration, richtlijnen may describe processes, responsibilities, and criteria for decision-making or handling of activities, often to ensure consistency and quality.

Development usually relies on evidence evaluation, expert panels, stakeholder consultation, and transparent methodology; recommendations are graded by strength of evidence. Periodic updates reflect new research and practice changes.

Difference from standards or rules: a richtlijn is guidance, not a mandatory standard, though organizations may require adherence for professional accountability or reimbursement. When a richtlijn is issued as a formal regulation or is transposed into national law, it becomes binding to a degree defined by the sovereign authority.

Examples include clinical practice guidelines issued by medical associations, administrative guidelines for public services, and EU directives that set targets for member states to implement through national acts.