National Licensing and Supervisory Authority to start operating in the beginning of 2020

As a result of its discussions on 5 July 2017, the Government decided to continue the health, social services and regional government reform so that the counties could assume responsibility for organising their services as of 1 January 2020. The decision did not take a stand on the timetable for establishing the National Licensing and Supervisory Authority or on the entry into force of the new Act concerning the State Department of Åland.

The change in the timetable for the entry into force of the health, social services and regional government reform also affects the reorganisation of government duties.  At its meeting on 5 October 2017, the ministerial working group on reforms decided that government licensing, steering and supervision duties would be brought together when the health, social services and regional government reform comes into force. Therefore, the National Licensing and Supervisory Authority will also be established on 1 January 2020.

The extra time allowed for reorganising government duties will be spent on efficient preparation and development work. This will ensure that the National Licensing and Supervisory Authority is fully operational when it opens its doors on 1 January 2020.