The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014 placed an emphasis on national health boards to integrate health and social care finances, adult social care governance, adult primary care and community health planning, and some hospital services.

In order to improve the involvement of doctors and care professionals as well as the third sectors in the planning and delivery of services, the Act also established nationally defined outcomes and a mandate on partnerships. The Act permitted collaboration between partners. An integration authority can be established by two or more local councils working with an NHS (National Health Service) board. Local governments, the NHS board, and integration authorities (also known as partnerships) are all jointly responsible to the Scottish Ministers, local governments, NHS board chairmen, and the general public for achieving the results that were mutually agreed upon.

Since the implementation of the law requiring the integration of health and social care in April 2016, new Integration Authorities have been given control over £8 billion in local service funding that was previously divided between NHS Boards and Local Authorities. Improved outcomes for all users of services, whether universal or targeted, are possible with the integration of health and social care. Providing integrated services can cut down on duplication, shorten wait times, and put the customer—instead of the need—at the centre of the experience.

The integration of health and care is thought to be essential for the solution to the issue of an ageing society because it allows for the more effective and efficient use of scarce resources.