Supervision and guidance

Valvira guides State Provincial Offices and municipalities in the legislation affecting its sector and supervises implementation. We monitor the operations of health care professionals and organisations and deal with complaints related to health care.

Complaints are dealt with by us in the case of death or suspicion of malpractice resulting in serious disability. The State Provincial Offices handle other complaints.

The aim of guidance and supervision is to:
• improve the health and functional capacity of the population
• promote the equitable treatment of health care practitioners
• prevent harm caused by the use of tobacco and alcohol
• prevent harm caused by the use of chemicals
• ensure the realisation of legal protection in social welfare and heath care
• ensure the quality of services in social welfare and heath care
• ensure patient safety
• ensure the management of risks to health in the environment

Relevant principal legislation in the sector:
• Alcohol Act
• Tobacco Act
• Chemicals Act
• Gene Technology Act
• Health Protection Act
• Food Act
• Primary Health Care Act
• Act on Specialised Medical Care
• Mental Health Act
• Act on the Status and Rights of Patients
• Act on Health Care Professionals
In 2010, activities pertaining to the guidance and supervision of social welfare will become the responsibility of Valvira.