Govt gives municipalities right to limit non-urgent healthcare

The government on Tuesday issued a decree on the statutory time limits for non-urgent healthcare (care guarantee) in municipalities following the coronavirus outbreak and under the provisions of the Emergency Powers Act.

The decree will enter into force on March 18 Wednesday, said the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in a press release.

Based on the decree, a municipality may waive the time limits set in the Health Care Act when arranging non-urgent care.

However, municipalities must carry out an assessment of the need for treatment in primary healthcare no later than the third weekday after the patient has contacted the healthcare unit, if it has not been possible to carry out the assessment during the first contact.

As regards to specialised medical care, mental health services for children and young people, and specialised medical care provided in connection with primary healthcare, an assessment of the need for treatment shall be commenced within three weeks of the healthcare unit or hospital run by a joint municipal authority or other specialised medical care unit receiving a referral.

Any treatment deemed necessary on medical or dental grounds in connection with the treatment need assessment shall be provided within a reasonable period of time, taking into consideration the health of the patient and the projected development of the condition.

A municipality may deviate from the provisions on the need assessment for services as referred to in the Social Welfare Act, with the exception of the urgent need assessment for assistance.

However, the municipality must ensure that the person receives indispensable subsistence and care. In particular, an adequate need assessment for healthcare services should be ensured for older people and customers in need of special support.