प्रकाशित · Nepalbhasa (Newari)

China’s New National Standard for Paid Medical Companion Services Takes Effect November 1: What Foreign Founders Need to Know

A new national standard (GB/T 47801—2026) sets basic requirements for socialized medical companion services in China. This article outlines the rules for service providers, permitted and prohibited activities, and compliance expectations for foreign founders considering this sector.

New Rules for Paid Medical Companion Services in China

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation has approved a new national standard, GB/T 47801—2026 “Socialized Medical Companion Services – Basic Requirements,” which will take effect on November 1, 2026. The standard establishes a framework for service providers, service content, and service processes in the emerging medical companion (peizhen) industry.

The sector has grown in response to patient pain points: elderly individuals navigating large hospitals alone, and out-of-town patients unfamiliar with local facilities. However, the lack of service standards has led to blurred boundaries and inconsistent service quality. This article summarizes the key points for foreign founders who may be considering entering or investing in this sector in China.

Who Can Provide Socialized Medical Companion Services?

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

Companions are expected to possess basic knowledge and professional conduct. According to Deng Yong, professor and doctoral supervisor at the Law Department of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, companions should understand hospital procedures, basic medical terminology, and emergency response; accurately relay patients’ conditions; strictly comply with regulations, including not scalping appointment slots or promoting drugs; and demonstrate patience and empathy to reassure patients.

Permitted Service Activities

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

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

Prohibited Activities

Companions are not medical personnel. They are explicitly prohibited from:

• Interpreting test results;
• Participating in medical procedures;
• Providing medical advice;
• Adjusting medication regimens for clients;
• Choosing or consenting to treatment plans on behalf of clients or their families;
• Concealing, altering, or selectively conveying key medical information about clients;
• Signing legally binding medical documents for clients.

Ensuring Service Quality and Compliance

Deng Yong recommends that hospitals strengthen management of companions by exploring a mechanism of “admission filing, behavior control, and public supervision.” This could include:

• Establishing a unified admission channel for companions, verifying identity and criminal records, and issuing temporary access passes;
• Requiring third-party institutions and individuals to file records, and explicitly prohibiting solicitation in consultation rooms or registration areas;
• Publicly displaying a list of legitimate companions and complaint hotlines in outpatient halls.

Additionally, hospitals could collaborate with industry associations to provide pre-job training and award service badges recognized by the hospital to those who pass assessments. Relevant authorities should also strengthen oversight by exploring joint enforcement mechanisms 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

For foreign entrepreneurs, this standard signals that China’s medical companion sector is moving toward formalization. If you plan to offer such services, you will need to establish a legally recognized institution, ensure your staff meet the knowledge and conduct requirements, and adhere to the permitted and prohibited activities. Compliance with local hospital management policies and coordination with industry associations will be critical. Foreign founders should also consider the broader regulatory environment for healthcare-adjacent services and ensure proper business registration and licensing.

Call to action: Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.

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