പ്രസിദ്ധീകരിച്ചത് · Malayalam

China's New National Standard for Paid Medical Accompaniment Services: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

China will implement a new national standard for paid medical accompaniment services on November 1, 2026. This article explains the key requirements and what they mean for foreign founders considering a business in this sector, including entity setup, compliance, and market opportunities.

Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

China's State Administration for Market Regulation has approved a new national standard, GB/T 47801—2026, titled "Socialized Medical Accompaniment Services – Basic Requirements." It takes effect on November 1, 2026. For foreign entrepreneurs, this signals that a previously unregulated niche—paid companions who assist patients navigating hospitals—is now being formalized. If you are considering a business in this space, here is what you need to know about setting up and running a compliant company in China.

What the New Standard Covers

The standard establishes a framework for service providers, service content, and service processes. It defines who can offer socialized medical accompaniment services, what tasks companions may perform, and what is off-limits. While the standard is not a licensing regime per se, it sets expectations that local authorities and hospitals may use to regulate the sector.

Who Can Provide Services?

Under the standard, the service provider must be an institution (机构), not an individual. The institution employs or contracts "medical companions" (陪诊师) who directly serve clients. Clients are individuals who face difficulties navigating medical care due to mobility, cognitive, or regional differences, or those seeking a better healthcare experience. Institutions may earn revenue from providing these services.

Implication for foreign founders: You will need to establish a legal entity in China to offer these services. A wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE) or a joint venture with a Chinese partner are typical options. The entity should be structured to employ or contract companions and assume liability.

Qualifications and Conduct of Medical Companions

Companions must possess basic knowledge of medical accompaniment and professional ethics. According to Deng Yong, a professor at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, companions should understand hospital procedures, basic medical terminology, and emergency protocols; accurately relay patient information; strictly avoid reselling appointment slots or promoting drugs; and demonstrate patience and empathy.

Implication: When setting up your company, plan for training and compliance programs. You may need to develop internal training manuals and codes of conduct aligned with these expectations.

Permitted Services

With the client's or legal guardian's consent, companions may:

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

Prohibited Acts

Companions are not medical personnel. They must not:

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

Implication: Your company's service agreements and operational protocols must clearly delineate these boundaries to avoid legal and regulatory risks.

Ensuring Service Quality and Compliance

Deng Yong recommends that hospitals strengthen management of companions through mechanisms such as "access filing, behavior control, and public supervision." This includes establishing a unified access channel for companions, verifying identity and criminal records, issuing temporary passes, requiring third-party institutions and individuals to file records, prohibiting solicitation in clinics and registration areas, and publicly displaying lists of legitimate companions and complaint hotlines. Hospitals may also collaborate with industry associations to provide pre-job training and issue service badges to those who pass assessments. Relevant authorities should enhance oversight through joint enforcement mechanisms involving market regulation, public security, and health departments to crack down on price fraud and unlicensed operations.

Implication for foreign founders: When establishing your company, anticipate that hospitals may require your staff to register, undergo background checks, and display identification. You should build these requirements into your HR and compliance processes. Additionally, be prepared for potential multi-departmental inspections and ensure your pricing and licensing are transparent and lawful.

Company Registration and Operation: Key Steps

To operate a medical accompaniment service business in China as a foreign founder, consider the following practical steps:

Choose a legal entity: A WFOE is common for service businesses. Determine the business scope to include "socialized medical accompaniment services" or similar wording; check with local authorities for exact terminology.
Registered capital: Follow the applicable company law; no minimum is generally required for most service companies, but consider capital needs for hiring and training.
Registration documents: Prepare articles of association, shareholder identification, legal representative appointment, and registered address proof. Foreign documents may need notarization and apostille/legalization.
Tax registration: Complete tax registration and understand VAT and corporate income tax obligations. Service revenues are generally subject to VAT.
Industry-specific compliance: Although no specific license is mentioned in the standard, local health or market regulation authorities may impose filing or approval requirements. Monitor local implementation rules.
Employment and training: Develop training programs covering hospital procedures, ethics, and prohibited acts. Conduct background checks as recommended.
Contracts and consent: Use service agreements that clearly define scope, obtain client consent for permitted services, and include disclaimers that companions are not medical professionals.

Market Opportunities and Risks

China's aging population and complex hospital systems create demand for accompaniment services. The new standard legitimizes the sector and may boost consumer trust. However, foreign founders should be aware of regulatory uncertainties, as local enforcement may vary. Building relationships with hospitals and industry associations will be crucial.

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

For assistance with registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.