Tartuntatautilaki

Tartuntatautilaki is the Finnish Act on the prevention and control of communicable diseases. It provides the legal framework for preventing, detecting, and managing infectious disease threats in Finland, with a focus on protecting public health through surveillance, timely reporting, and coordinated response actions. The act defines the roles and responsibilities of individuals, healthcare professionals, local municipalities, and national authorities in relation to communicable diseases.

A central element of the law is the requirement to report notifiable diseases. Healthcare providers and institutions are obligated to notify public health authorities about suspected and confirmed cases, enabling epidemiological surveillance and rapid response. The act outlines how data are collected, used, and shared for public health purposes, balancing public safety with patient privacy.

The Tartuntatautilaki also authorizes public health authorities to implement measures to prevent further transmission. This includes epidemiological investigations, contact tracing, and, when necessary, isolation or quarantine orders and other temporary containment measures. The legislation provides a framework for outbreak management and coordination across different levels of government, including possible vaccination campaigns or other interventions within approved public health procedures.

Data protection and governance are key components. The act requires that personal data processed under its provisions comply with GDPR and Finnish privacy laws, and that measures are proportionate, necessary, and time-limited. It interacts with broader health and emergency powers regulations and is designed to adapt to evolving public health threats.

Implementation rests with the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and municipal health authorities, in consultation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The law has been amended over time to address emerging challenges, including responses to COVID-19 and other outbreaks.