Council for Choices in Health Care in Finland (COHERE Finland)

The task of the Council for Choices in Health Care in Finland is to issue recommendations on which examination, treatment and rehabilitation methods should be included in healthcare services financed from public funds in Finland. When issuing recommendations the Council shall take into account research findings and other evidence from different sectors as well as ethical considerations related to health care and considerations related to the organisation of health care. The Council works in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

The term of the Council for Choices in Health Care is three years. The first Council was appointed on 12 June 2014, and it began its work in autumn 2014. During its first term the Council has a particular focus on the principles, criteria and processes of defining the service range . The Council issues annual reports on its activities.

The Council for Choices in Health Care is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The Council has a maximum of 15 members, each with a personal substitute. The Council shall include expertise in medicine, odontology, nursing care, science of law, health economics and the Finnish health care and social security system. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the National Institute for Health and Welfare, the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health, the Social Insurance Institution and the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities are represented in the Council.

The Council has a permanent secretariat and a network of experts.

It may also set up divisions that prepare issues for decision-making in the Council. For more information on the legislation on the Council for Choices in Health Care, see the section on legislation.