# Croatian speech therapy regulation dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/croatian-speech-therapy-regulation-dispute > Updated: 2026-10-21T13:13:00.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 4. The Croatian Association of Speech Therapists Entrepreneurs (HALP) has warned that new legislation, the Law on Speech Therapy, may cause a significant shortage of services. The law introduces minimum technical requirements for premises, such as specific ceiling heights, door widths, and waiting room sizes. HALP reports that over 40 percent of surveyed private providers may be unable to meet these standards and could be forced to cease operations by July 2027. The association estimates that more than 7,000 users, primarily children, could lose access to therapy. Professionals argue these construction standards do not affect clinical quality. Parents have supported these concerns, noting that long waiting lists in the public system often make private care the only timely option for children with developmental needs. In response, HALP has launched a petition and submitted a proposal to the Constitutional Court to challenge the law. The association also warned that the public healthcare system lacks the capacity to absorb patients if private practices close. Following these warnings, the Croatian Ministry of Health announced plans to amend regulations regarding minimum technical requirements for healthcare activities. The Ministry stated it is “open to constructive dialogue” and is preparing amendments to improve therapy availability, particularly for children. To increase accessibility, the Ministry noted potential efforts through primary healthcare and possible contracts with the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO). Despite the proposed amendments, the Croatian Speech Therapy Society (HLD) maintains that the technical standards are not new and are necessary for patient safety. As the regulatory transition continues, the Ministry of Health and the HLD have established the Croatian Chamber of Speech Therapists. This new body is responsible for issuing work permits, maintaining a professional register, providing expert supervision, and recognizing foreign qualifications. However, the crisis regarding spatial standards persists. ## Claims - 85 percent of surveyed private speech therapy practices do not meet new technical requirements. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Approximately 40 percent of private practices could permanently close by July 2027. (corroborated by 3 sources) - More than 1,500 parents sent letters to the President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Health. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Croatian Chamber of Speech Therapists was established on October 22. (corroborated by 2 sources) - At least 7,000 users, mostly children, could lose access to therapy. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Chamber of Speech Therapists will manage professional registers and recognize foreign qualifications. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Mental health protection centers in Republika Srpska recorded 78,106 doctor visits in 2025. (single source) - In 2025, 47,118 adults in Republika Srpska were treated for mental disorders. (single source) - There were 4,715 hospitalizations due to mental and behavioral disorders in Republika Srpska. (single source) - Neurotic, stress-related, psychosomatic, and mood disorders are the most common mental illnesses in adults in Republika Srpska. (single source) - Psychologist visits for preschool and school-age children in Republika Srpska totaled 1,760 in 2025. (single source) - Over 40% of private speech therapy practices in Croatia face closure due to new technical requirements. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-21: Croatia establishes Speech Therapist Chamber amid closure warnings Croatia has founded a new Chamber of Speech Therapists, but warnings emerge that new technical regulations could force 40% of private practices to close, affecting 7,000 patients. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-establishes-speech-therapist-chamber-amid-closure-warnings ### 2026-10-15: Croatia Ministry of Health to revise speech therapy regulations The Croatian Ministry of Health is revising technical regulations for speech therapy practices after warnings that 40% of private clinics could close, potentially leaving 7,000 users without care. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-ministry-of-health-addresses-speech-therapist-regulation-concerns ### 2026-10-10: Mental health services in Republika Srpska and speech therapy risks in Croatia Republika Srpska reports high demand for mental health services with over 78,000 visits in 2025, while Croatian speech therapists warn new space regulations could close 40% of private practices. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mental-health-services-in-republika-srpska-and-speech-therapy-risks-in-croatia ### 2026-10-07: Croatian speech therapists warn of service shortages Croatian speech therapists warn that new technical regulations could force many private practices to close, potentially leaving 7,000 users, mostly children, without essential therapy services. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-speech-therapists-warn-of-service-shortages --- Cite as: Croatian speech therapy regulation dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/croatian-speech-therapy-regulation-dispute