The government ministries are relatively small and merely policy-making organizations, allowed to control agencies by policy decisions but not by direct orders.
A minister is explicitly prohibited from interfering with the day-to-day operation in an agency or the outcome in individual cases.
While no minister is allowed to give orders to agencies personally, they are subject to decisions made by the government.
Still, some of the work of the government is carried out through state enterprises or limited companies.
The regional health authorities (regional helseforetak) are responsible for providing specialist healthcare services within their designated geographic area.