Health Care Services Organization Act, adopted on 09.05.2001 (RT I 2001, 50, 284) is effective since 01.01.2002, and was last amended on 18.10.2024. The law stipulates the organization and requirements for the provision of health care services and the procedure for managing, financing and monitoring health care. It defines key tems such as health care service, health care worker, the patient, patient safety and quality of healthcare and other imporant concepts and concepts of the healthcare system.
The law defines key concepts critical to the healthcare system, including:
Health Care Services: These encompass medical examinations, diagnosis, treatment, nursing, and rehabilitation services provided to maintain or restore an individual’s health.
Health Care Worker: This includes all licensed professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, who are authorized to deliver healthcare services.
The Patient: Defined as an individual who seeks, receives, or has received healthcare services.
Patient Safety: A core principle ensuring that healthcare services are delivered without causing harm to patients.
Quality of Healthcare: Emphasizes adherence to best practices, compliance with medical standards, and continuous improvements in care delivery to meet patient needs.
The Act outlines the organizational structure of healthcare services, including the roles of public institutions, private providers, and governmental bodies in ensuring accessibility and affordability. It also establishes financing mechanisms, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support healthcare delivery.
A crucial component of the law is the emphasis on monitoring and regulation, which includes the inspection of healthcare institutions, accreditation processes, and mechanisms to address violations or substandard care. These provisions aim to uphold high standards and maintain public trust in the healthcare system.
In its latest amendment, the Act incorporated measures to strengthen digital healthcare services, streamline patient data management, and enhance cross-border healthcare collaboration. These updates align with modern healthcare trends and ensure Estonia’s healthcare system remains competitive and efficient.
