Deploying the Prescription service

Kanta can be used with a certified system. If the system you are using is not certified, consult your information system provider about access options. You can check which systems are compatible with Kanta using Valvira’s Information system database for social welfare and healthcare (valvira.fi).

If the information system you are using is not compatible with Kanta, procure the system that best serves your needs. If the service provider operates as part of a company chain, it may join Kanta using the main joining party’s system. This is called the joint connection model. Public social welfare and health care service providers and pharmacists always join Kanta through the direct connection model. 

Your information system provider will provide support and advice on the deployment of the Kanta Service, especially for system-related issues, but some system providers offer support for their customers throughout the deployment process. The system provider will arrange user training for the system and is often responsible for many technical measures, related to deployment.

Kela maintains instructions for deployment of the Kanta Services and responds to deployment-related questions. Together with THL, Kela also provides training in the Kanta Services’ operating models and procedures.

THL is responsible for establishing policies and procedures that govern the use of the Kanta Services. THL also provides guidelines for consistent recording practices and self-monitoring in social welfare and health care services, e.g. the preparing of an information security plan.

If you have any questions about deployment, please email our customer support at kanta@kanta.fi.

In addition, Kela regularly holds brief coaching sessions to answer questions about deployment. You do not need to register in advance for these coaching sessions.

Personnel can study the Prescription service’s operating models at their own pace using the Kanta Service’s online schools and training. The online schools are free, and personnel will receive a certificate for completing training sessions.

Ensuring data protection and information security practices

In order to begin using the Kanta Services, you or your company must have an up-to-date and documented information security plan. Prepare an information security plan well in advance of joining as a user of the Kanta Services.

Assigning access rights to personnel

The service provider must assign access rights to its systems for all of its employees who process client data in their work. Access rights must be assigned to each employee so that they only have access to the client data that is necessary in order for them to perform their work tasks.

Sourcing smart cards

Use of the Kanta Services requires strong electronic identification. Ensure that your personnel and partners have the required smart cards to identify themselves to the systems and to electronically sign documents.

In this application, you will need to:

• provide the administrative details required to use the service
• provide the system and access point data you receive from your system provider
• specify your contact person(s)
• accept the Prescription service description.

In addition, you agree to the general terms of delivery of the Kanta Services and sign an undertaking to become a client of the Kanta Services if this is your first deployment of a Kanta Service.

Once your application to register as a user of the Prescription service has been approved, you will be notified by email. We will send a notification to the administrative contact person and the administrative email address you provided on the Extranet. 

You can start using the service as soon as your application has been approved. If you wish, you can also ensure that you are ready for technical production before you start using the service.

If you are starting a new pharmacy or taking over your first pharmacy, please refer to more detailed instructions on the Pharmacy changes page.

Please note that having a client account in the Kanta Services carries a charge and the invoicing of user fees starts once you are approved as a client. 

Learn more

On the Extranet, you can choose whether you want to deploy the prescription renewal request service in addition to the Prescription service. This allows you to receive prescription renewal requests sent from pharmacies and individual clients via MyKanta. Please note that renewal requests can also be submitted via the pharmacy or MyKanta by patients other than the service provider’s patients.

If you choose to deploy this service, please notify THL’s Code Service of the entity receiving the renewal requests as directed:

You can also deploy the prescription renewal request service at a later date by notifying Kela and THL’s Code Service.