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China’s New National Standard for Paid Caregiving Services: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

China will implement a new national standard for socialized medical accompaniment services on November 1, 2026. The standard designates institutions as the sole legal providers, sets clear service boundaries, and imposes compliance obligations. For foreign founders, this creates a regulated market with defined opportunities and risks—here’s a practical breakdown.

What the New Standard Means for Your China Company

On November 1, 2026, China’s national standard GB/T 47801—2026, “Socialized Medical Accompaniment Services – Basic Requirements” takes effect. Approved by the State Administration for Market Regulation, the standard establishes a framework for a rapidly growing industry that helps patients—especially the elderly and those unfamiliar with large hospitals—navigate medical visits. For foreign founders considering this sector or already operating in China, the standard clarifies who can provide services, what they can and cannot do, and how to stay compliant.

This article summarizes the key takeaways for international entrepreneurs. It focuses on entity setup, licensing, and operational compliance under the new rules.

Who Can Provide Socialized Medical Accompaniment Services?

Under the new standard, only institutions may offer socialized medical accompaniment services for profit. Individual caregivers (peiban shi) may not independently provide these services; they must be engaged by a qualifying institution. This is a critical point for founders: you cannot simply register as a sole proprietor and offer accompaniment services—you need a proper corporate entity.

The service recipients are defined as individuals who face difficulties accessing medical care due to mobility, cognitive, or geographic limitations, or those seeking a better healthcare experience. Institutions may earn revenue from providing these services.

What this means for your China company registration: If you plan to enter this market, you must establish a legal entity (e.g., a limited liability company) and ensure your business scope includes the relevant service category. The standard does not specify a separate license, but your company must operate within the approved scope and comply with local regulations.

Qualification Requirements for Caregivers

Caregivers must possess basic knowledge of medical accompaniment and professional ethics. According to Deng Yong, a professor at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, caregivers should master hospital visit procedures, basic medical terminology, and emergency response knowledge; accurately relay patients’ conditions; strictly avoid illegal practices such as scalping appointment slots or promoting drugs; and demonstrate patience and empathy.

While the standard does not mandate a specific certification, it sets clear expectations for competence and conduct. For employers, this translates into training and vetting obligations.

What this means for your China company: When hiring caregivers, implement background checks and training programs. Document your compliance efforts—this will be important if regulators audit your operations.

Permitted and Prohibited Services

The standard delineates a clear scope of services. With consent from the patient or legal guardian, caregivers may:

• Queue for and collect appointment numbers; schedule examinations and prepare patients for tests.
• Purchase or rent basic medical supplies such as wheelchairs, companion beds, and disposable masks.
• Guide patients to designated areas (departments, examination rooms, treatment areas).
• Deliver samples, collect medications and test results, record medical instructions, retrieve or copy medical documents (e.g., medical records, diagnosis certificates).
• Handle admission and discharge procedures, make payments, and provide daily living assistance (e.g., booking transportation, meals, temporary storage of belongings).
• Offer emotional support during medical visits.

However, caregivers are not medical professionals. They must not:

• Interpret test results or participate in medical procedures.
• Provide medical advice or adjust medication regimens.
• Choose or consent to treatment plans on behalf of patients or families.
• Conceal, alter, or selectively convey key medical information.
• Sign legally binding medical documents for patients.

What this means for your China company: Define your service offerings strictly within the permitted list. Train staff on the prohibitions and establish internal protocols to prevent overstepping. Violations could lead to administrative penalties or loss of business legitimacy.

Hospital Cooperation and Oversight

Deng Yong recommends that hospitals strengthen management of caregivers by exploring an “admission, filing, behavior control, and public supervision” mechanism. Specific suggestions include:

• Establish a unified admission channel for caregivers, verify identity and criminal records, and issue temporary access passes.
• Require third-party institutions and individuals to file with the hospital; prohibit soliciting business in clinics or registration areas.
• Publicly display a list of accredited caregivers and complaint hotlines in outpatient halls.
• Collaborate with industry associations to provide pre-job training and issue hospital-recognized service badges to those who pass assessments.

Additionally, relevant authorities should enhance supervision through joint enforcement by market regulation, public security, and health departments to crack down on price fraud, unlicensed operations, and other illegal activities.

What this means for your China company: Proactively build relationships with hospitals. Be prepared to comply with hospital-specific filing and training requirements. Maintaining a clean record and transparent operations will be essential for securing access to hospital facilities.

Practical Steps for Foreign Founders

If you are considering entering China’s medical accompaniment market, here is a checklist to guide your setup:

• Choose the right entity: A limited liability company (LLC) is typically suitable for service businesses. Ensure your business scope covers “socialized medical accompaniment services” or similar.
• Register with the local AMR: Follow standard company registration procedures, including name verification, submission of incorporation documents, and obtaining a business license.
• Understand capital requirements: There is no minimum capital requirement for most service companies, but consider sufficient capital for operations and compliance.
• Tax registration: Complete tax registration and understand your VAT and corporate income tax obligations.
• Compliance framework: Develop internal policies for caregiver conduct, training, and patient consent. Keep records of all service agreements and consents.
• Hospital partnerships: Engage with hospitals to understand their filing and access procedures. Be ready to provide documentation on your company and staff.
• Ongoing monitoring: Stay updated on local regulations and joint enforcement actions. Ensure your operations remain within the permitted scope.

While the new standard provides a national framework, local authorities may impose additional requirements. Always consult with local experts.

Conclusion

China’s new national standard for socialized medical accompaniment services brings clarity and structure to a previously unregulated industry. For foreign founders, it signals both opportunity and the need for careful compliance. By establishing a proper legal entity, adhering to service boundaries, and cooperating with hospitals and regulators, you can position your company for success in this growing sector.

Need help registering and operating your company in China? ChinaMNC offers expert guidance. Contact us on WhatsApp or WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 to get started.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.