The association was founded on January 11, 1979 under the name Dutch Association of Hospital Directors.Until 1996 were mainly drivers connected from inpatient care. In 1996, as a result of social changes in care, the membership criteria extended to directors of outpatient care institutions. The name was changed to NVZD - association of directors of healthcare institutions.

In 2004, the Articles of Association were amended again. The association called since then: NVZD - association of drivers in health care.