Obligations and reasons for collecting social security numbers and other information
A trained masseuse is a healthcare professional with a protected title and is bound by the same laws as other professions operating in the healthcare field in Finland.
1. A trained masseuse is required by law to collect patient information so that a safe treatment event can be carried out.
2. The purpose of collecting personal information, such as the social security number, is to secure the patient’s care.
3. Each patient can be identified with a personal identification number, because all people living in Finland have their own independent identification number, and for this purpose, the remaining part of the personal identification number is also needed for identification.
4. People with the same name, on the same date and even at the same address can always be found, but not with the same personal identification number. In medical malpractice cases, it is important to be able to identify the patient treated as the same as the one who was treated at the clinic.
5. The Decree of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health on Patient Documents (30.3.2009/298) specifies the basic information that must be recorded in patient documents. Mandatory information includes the patient’s name, date of birth, personal identification number, municipality of residence and contact information.
6. If a trained masseuse does not collect this information, he or she is breaking the law and may be held accountable to Valvira as follows:
Valvira may issue more detailed regulations and instructions for professional activities or prohibit the use of the professional title of healthcare professional laid down by Government Decree for a fixed period or indefinitely.
Source: Koulutettujen hierojien liitto