Duties and responsibilities in the Swiss health system are divided between three governmental levels: federal,
cantonal, and communal. The system can be considered highly decentralized, as the cantons are given a critical
role. The 26 cantons (including six demicantons) are responsible for licensing providers, hospital planning, and
the subsidizing of institutions and organizations. Cantons are like states, in that they are sovereign in all matters
that are not specifically designated as the responsibility of the Swiss Confederation by the federal constitution.
Each canton and demicanton has its own constitution articulating a comprehensive body of legislation