The government has taken steps to improve quality of services over the past decade resulting in reduced waiting times. In 2005, a new law (Primary Health Care Act and Act on Specialized Medical Care) set maximum waiting times for health interventions: immediate contact with health centres during working hours by phone or personal visit must be guaranteed and non-urgent appointments must be made within 3 working days. Treatment needs must be assessed within 3 weeks following hospital referral and nonurgent hospital treatment must take place within 6 months thereafter.