Finnish government proposes legislative change for driver’s license medical certificates

The Finnish government is proposing a legislative change that would require individuals seeking a driver’s license to obtain necessary medical certificates primarily from private service providers, according to a statement from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM).

Under the new regulation, medical assessments for driver’s licenses would generally need to be acquired from private sources or, for those who require a vehicle for work, from occupational healthcare services when available.

The aim of this proposal is to reduce the administrative workload for doctors within welfare areas and to enhance the efficiency of public healthcare services. Following the enactment of the law, welfare areas, the city of Helsinki, or the HUS joint municipal authority will no longer be obligated to provide medical certificates through primary healthcare for their residents or patients at health centers.

The law is expected to come into effect on January 1, 2025. Further updates on this matter will follow.