Clearer requirements for primary care
Published:
The Government proposes that the mission and responsibility of primary care should be made clearer, and that it should be clarified that it should be possible to receive medical assessment by a doctor or nurse, when necessary, at any time of the day in the municipal health services. The Riksdag voted in favour of the Government’s proposals.
Primary care refers to healthcare centres and other health and medical activities that are responsible for common healthcare needs which do not require special medical or technical resources or other specific expertise.
The legislative amendments include the following:
- it will be made clearer that regions and municipalities are to collaborate in planning and developing health and medical care;
- the responsibility of primary care for both physical and mental health needs will also be clarified;
- municipalities will be required to appoint a medical officer who is responsible for rehabilitation in the municipality;
- the term home healthcare will be replaced by health and medical care in the home;
- more stringent requirements will be introduced regarding information to patients. Patients are to receive information about who their specific care contact and specific doctor is. It should also be clear how the patient can contact them, as well as their healthcare centre and other providers.
The amendments will come into force on 1 July 2026.
Committee report (In Swedish): Nästa steg för en god och nära vård (SoU23)