helseforetaks

Helseforetak, in plural helseforetak, are state-owned health enterprises in Norway that operate specialist health services on behalf of the regional health authorities. The term refers to corporate bodies that run hospitals and other institutions within the public health system. Health enterprises are organized under the regional health authorities (RHF), of which there are five. Each RHF owns a number of helseforetak that provide secondary and highly specialized care, including somatic and psychiatric hospital services, education and research in partnership with universities.

The legal framework is defined by acts regulating health enterprises and public administration. Helseforetak are owned by the state through the RHFs, and governed by boards and a chief executive officer appointed by the RHF. They are funded primarily through government grants allocated by the budget and by patient fees for certain services. They must follow public procurement rules and report annually on performance and finances.

Historically, the model originated in the early 2000s reform of the specialist health services, separating clinical operations from regional administration and creating state-owned enterprises to improve professional autonomy, standardization, and accountability. The model has been maintained and refined, with ongoing efforts to integrate services, standardize care, and improve wait times and quality.

The role of helseforetak is to provide reliable access to specialized care, conduct teaching and research in cooperation with medical faculties, and ensure nationwide standards of care. They work in concert with municipalities responsible for primary care, and with national health policy authorities to implement reforms.