Finland initiates legislative changes to address service provider registration backlog

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in Finland is initiating urgent legislative preparations to alleviate the backlog in the service provider register, known as Soteri. As a result of the legislative changes, independent practitioners in the social and health care sectors will be able to commence their operations immediately after submitting their applications to the authorities. The registration matters overseen by Valvira (the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health) and regional administrative agencies have encountered significant delays, forcing entrepreneurs in the sector to wait for months before receiving approval, which is necessary before they can begin operations.

According to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, these legislative actions are essential to prevent unreasonable processing times and to stabilize the application review process. Despite all the measures taken and reassurances from Valvira, the situation has not improved. This prompted the Minister for Social Affairs and Health, Kaisa Juuso, to state in a press release that it has become necessary to take action to ease the circumstances for practitioners.

The temporary regulations intended to enhance client and patient safety will be introduced, while the expansion of the registration procedure to include public services will be postponed until the beginning of 2027.