SKR Urges State to Take Financial Responsibility for Forensic Psychiatry Amid Rising Strain

Sveriges kommuner och Regioner (SKR) has called on the Swedish state to assume financial responsibility for forensic psychiatric care due to increasing pressure from overcrowding and escalating costs across the sector. Anna-Lena Hogerud, chair of SKR's healthcare delegation, emphasized that it is reasonable for the state to compensate regions for patients receiving forensic psychiatric care, noting that regions have no control over patient inflow and outflow, which are dictated by the justice system.

Occupancy rates in forensic psychiatric facilities have consistently surpassed 100% nationwide, and SKR forecasts continued growth in patient numbers and care needs in the coming years. More individuals are being sentenced to forensic psychiatric care, with longer treatment durations increasing the sector’s burden. This surge has prompted concerns about financing and resource allocation, with the Vårdansvarskommittén previously suggesting state involvement in covering some or all costs—a recommendation SKR now supports.

Despite advocating for increased state funding, SKR opposes full nationalization of forensic psychiatry, underscoring the importance of maintaining its integration with broader regional psychiatric care. Hogerud highlighted that forensic psychiatry operates differently from other healthcare sectors, which further justifies state support. SKR also backs a comprehensive review of governance and responsibility for forensic psychiatric care to address these challenges effectively.