In June 2025, the legal framework for preparedness in social and health services was strengthened. The amendments aim to ensure that WBSCs and the national actors can respond effectively to disruptions, both in normal times and in exceptional circumstances. The reform aims at improving cooperation between the five collaborative areas formed around university hospitals, establishes a national preparedness group under the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and clarifies division of work between regional and national actors. The changes are intended to improve readiness for risks ranging from pandemics and cyber-attacks to military threats, reflecting the central role of wellbeing services counties in safeguarding both civilian and defense needs.
In addition to the amendments passed in the summer of 2025 the government is proposing an amendment that would oblige the WBSCs to prepare for the use and threat of military force. The amendments aim to ensure close cooperation between the WBSCs and the Finnish Defense Forces in both normal and emergency conditions. The level of preparedness and related responsibilities would not be the same in all counties, but instead the responsibilities could vary and depend for instance on geography.