Published by ChinaMNC · Xiangcheng

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

A new national standard (GB/T 47801—2026) taking effect on November 1, 2026, sets basic requirements for socialized medical accompaniment services. Foreign founders operating in China’s healthcare or service sectors should understand the scope, permitted activities, and compliance boundaries.

China’s New National Standard for Paid Medical Accompaniment Services

A new national standard, GB/T 47801—2026, titled Socialized Medical Accompaniment Services — Basic Requirements, will take effect on November 1, 2026. It was approved by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). For foreign founders building businesses in China’s healthcare or service sectors, understanding this standard is essential for compliance and market entry.

Background: Why the Standard Was Introduced

Patients—especially the elderly and those traveling to unfamiliar cities—often struggle to navigate large hospitals: finding departments, paying fees, and collecting medicines. A paid “medical accompaniment” (peizhen) industry has emerged to address these pain points. However, without service standards, the sector has faced unclear boundaries and inconsistent quality. The new standard aims to provide a framework covering service providers, service content, and service processes.

Who Can Provide Socialized Medical Accompaniment Services?

Under the new standard, socialized medical accompaniment services must be provided by institutions (organizations), not individuals. The institution’s accompaniment staff—referred to as peizhenshi—directly deliver services to clients. Clients are defined as individuals who face difficulties accessing medical care due to mobility, cognitive, or geographic differences, or those seeking a better healthcare experience. Institutions may generate revenue by providing these services.

Qualification Requirements for Accompanying Staff

Accompanying staff must possess basic knowledge and professional conduct. According to Deng Yong, professor and doctoral supervisor at the Law School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, staff should:

• Understand medical procedures, basic medical terminology, and emergency response knowledge.
• Accurately relay patients’ conditions.
• Strictly comply with regulations—never resell appointment slots or promote medicines.
• Demonstrate patience and empathy to reassure patients.

Permitted Service Activities

With the consent of the client or their legal guardian, accompanying staff may perform the following tasks:

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

Prohibited Activities: Clear Boundaries

Accompanying staff are not medical personnel. They must not:

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

Ensuring Quality and Compliance: Recommendations

Deng Yong suggests that hospitals strengthen management of accompanying staff by exploring an “admission registration, behavior control, and public supervision” mechanism. Specific measures include:

• Establishing a unified admission channel for accompanying staff, verifying identity and criminal records, and issuing temporary access passes.
• Requiring third-party institutions and individuals to register; explicitly prohibiting solicitation in consultation rooms and registration areas.
• Publicly displaying a list of legitimate accompaniment providers and complaint hotlines in outpatient halls.
• Collaborating with industry associations to conduct pre-job training and awarding hospital-recognized service badges to those who pass assessments.

Additionally, relevant authorities should strengthen oversight by exploring a multi-department joint enforcement mechanism involving market regulation, public security, and health departments to investigate and punish illegal activities such as price fraud and unlicensed operations.

Implications for Foreign Founders

Foreign entrepreneurs looking to enter China’s healthcare service market should note that the new standard requires services to be delivered through registered institutions. This means establishing a legal entity in China and ensuring staff meet the qualification and conduct requirements. The clear list of permitted and prohibited activities provides a compliance roadmap, while the emphasis on hospital oversight and multi-department enforcement signals stricter supervision. Founders should also consider training programs and registration processes to align with local hospital requirements.

Call to Action: For assistance with company registration and operations in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.

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