In effect since 1 January 2025, amendments to care guarantee requirements concerning time limits for gaining access to primary care also apply to FSHS general and mental health and oral health services.
The amended care guarantee requirements state that those aged 23 and above must be given access to FSHS general and mental health services within three months after their need for treatment was assessed. An oral health appointment must be offered within six months.
The time limits for those aged under 23 remain unchanged. Those in this age group must be given access to general and mental health services within 14 days and to an oral health appointment within three months. This speedier access to care only concerns some FSHS clients: about 25% of students entitled to FSHS services are under 23.
The changes mean the FSHS is better able to provide services in accordance with the care guarantee requirements. For information on how well the FSHS meets the care guarantee requirements, see the FSHS website.
Figures for FSHS visits show that the demand for and use of mental health services is highest at the beginning and toward the end of studies, when students tend to experience more stress. The need for oral health services is higher in those aged 23 or above than in those aged under 23.
A therapy guarantee, intended to ensure speedy access to mental health services within primary care for those under 23, will take effect on 1 May 2025. The goal is to guarantee early low-threshold help for mental health problems. The FSHS has only started to plan its service provision under the new legislation and will provide more information on these services later before the changes are due to be implemented.
The FSHS will publish information concerning access to care under the new care guarantee requirements based on reports by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). THL estimates that reporting based on the new requirements will begin after 17 February 2025.