Valvira

Valvira, officially the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health, is a Finnish government agency responsible for supervising and licensing activities in the welfare and health sectors. It operates under the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and serves as a central regulator for care and social services in Finland.

The agency’s mandate covers licensing and supervision of health care and social welfare professionals and organizations. It oversees the quality and safety of services provided by public and private providers, ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and handles complaints and investigations into misconduct or neglect. Valvira can issue guidance, impose sanctions, and, in cases of serious violations, suspend or revoke professional licenses or provider approvals. It also monitors professional ethics and the overall safety culture within the welfare and health system.

Valvira’s work includes licensing physicians, nurses, dentists, social workers, and other professionals, as well as supervising private care providers, long-term care facilities, and certain welfare services. The authority collaborates with other national and regional agencies, courts, and law enforcement to enforce regulations and respond to cross-border health care matters and patient safety incidents.

History and organization: Valvira was established as part of Finnish reforms to strengthen supervision of welfare and health services. It maintains a central administration with regional or field offices and inspectors to carry out inspections and enforcement across the country.

See also: Health care in Finland, List of Finnish government agencies, Public service regulation.