Debbie Maas Joins Healthcare Governance Innovation Committee
Utrecht, Friday, 21 November 2025.
Debbie Maas, an LSR board member, was appointed to the Governance Innovation and Advisory Committee on November 13, 2025, to enhance healthcare governance quality and innovation in the Netherlands.
Enhancing Governance Through Innovation
Debbie Maas, who has been actively involved in healthcare governance, was appointed to the Governance Innovation and Advisory Committee (IAC) of the Healthcare Sector Organizations (BoZ) on November 13, 2025. This committee aims to advance the quality, knowledge, and innovation within healthcare governance in the Netherlands. The appointment is significant as it ensures that the perspectives of clients and patients are considered in national healthcare discussions [1].
Strategic Role of the IAC
The IAC plays a pivotal role in advising the BoZ, which collaborates with major healthcare provider associations like ActiZ and the Nederlandse ggz. By focusing on governance improvements, the committee seeks to foster innovative practices that enhance decision-making processes about quality, safety, and cooperation in healthcare. The inclusion of client and patient perspectives is vital to ensuring that governance reflects the needs and experiences of these key stakeholders [1].
Debbie Maas’ Contributions
Appointed on the recommendation of organizations such as Ieder(in) and LOC, Debbie Maas brings a wealth of experience in client advocacy and quality care to the committee. She succeeds Michiel van Berckel Smit, who completed his term. Her role is crucial in integrating practical insights from clients and patient councils into governance innovation efforts, thereby aligning policy with real-world healthcare challenges [1].
The Broader Context of Healthcare Governance
This appointment aligns with broader efforts to enhance governance in the healthcare sector. The BoZ’s Governance Code provides a framework for healthcare organizations to manage their operations effectively. By integrating innovative governance practices, the IAC aims to make Dutch healthcare more resilient and future-proof, addressing challenges through collaborative and informed decision-making processes [1].