Published by ChinaMNC · Xinjian

China's New National Standard for Paid Medical Accompaniment Services: What It Means for Foreign Founders

China will implement a national standard for paid medical accompaniment services on November 1, 2026. This article explains the key requirements and what foreign founders need to know about setting up and operating a compliant healthcare service business in China.

Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

China is set to implement a new national standard for paid medical accompaniment services (often called "patient escort" or "medical companion" services) on November 1, 2026. The standard, GB/T 47801—2026 "Socialized Medical Accompaniment Services — Basic Requirements", was approved by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). For foreign founders considering entering China's healthcare service sector, this development signals both opportunities and compliance obligations. Below is a summary of the key points and what they mean for your China company registration and operations.

What the New Standard Covers

The national standard establishes a framework for service providers, service content, and service processes. It aims to address problems such as unclear service boundaries and inconsistent quality that have arisen as the industry grew without standards.

Who Can Provide Socialized Medical Accompaniment Services?

Under the new standard, the service provider must be an institution (not an individual). The institution's staff (medical companions) directly provide services to clients. Clients include individuals who face difficulties accessing medical care due to mobility, cognitive, or regional differences, or those seeking a better healthcare experience. Institutions may earn revenue by providing these services.

Implication for foreign founders: If you plan to offer such services in China, you will need to establish a legal entity (e.g., a wholly foreign-owned enterprise or a joint venture) that qualifies as an institution. Individual freelancers cannot be the service provider under the standard. This means your company registration and scope of business must reflect the service.

Qualification Requirements for Medical Companions

Medical companions must possess basic knowledge and professional ethics. According to Deng Yong, a professor at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, companions should master hospital visit procedures, basic medical terminology, and emergency response knowledge; accurately relay patient conditions; strictly comply with regulations (e.g., not reselling appointments or promoting drugs); and demonstrate patience and empathy.

Implication: Your company will need to train and ensure its staff meet these requirements. This may affect your hiring and training budget, as well as your internal compliance policies.

Permitted Service Activities

With the consent of the client or their legal guardian, medical companions may:

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

Implication: These activities define the scope of services your company can legally offer. Your business license and service contracts should align with this scope.

Prohibited Activities

Medical companions are not healthcare professionals and 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 critical medical information.
• Sign legally binding medical documents on behalf of clients.

Implication: Your company must establish clear policies and training to prevent staff from overstepping these boundaries. Violations could lead to legal liability and damage to your business license.

Ensuring Compliance and Quality: Recommendations

Deng Yong suggests that hospitals strengthen management of medical companions by exploring mechanisms for "access registration, behavior control, and public supervision." This includes:

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

Additionally, relevant authorities should strengthen supervision and explore multi-department joint enforcement mechanisms involving market regulation, public security, and health departments to investigate and punish illegal activities such as price fraud and unlicensed operation.

Implication for foreign founders: When setting up your China company, you should anticipate these requirements. You may need to register with hospitals, ensure your staff have clean criminal records, and comply with local enforcement. Your company registration should include the necessary business scope, and you should be prepared for inspections by multiple agencies.

What This Means for Your China Company Registration

If you are considering offering medical accompaniment services in China, here are the key steps and considerations for foreign founders:

• Entity choice: Establish a legal entity (e.g., wholly foreign-owned enterprise, joint venture) that can act as the service provider. The standard requires an institution, not an individual.
• Business scope: Include "socialized medical accompaniment services" or similar in your business scope. Check local regulations for any specific licensing requirements.
• Capital and staffing: Ensure sufficient capital for training and compliance. Hire staff who meet the qualification requirements and provide ongoing training.
• Compliance systems: Develop internal policies to prevent prohibited activities and ensure adherence to the standard. Maintain records of staff qualifications and training.
• Hospital partnerships: Engage with hospitals to understand their access registration and supervision mechanisms. Be prepared to provide documentation such as criminal record checks for staff.
• Tax and legal: Consult local professionals to understand tax obligations and legal liabilities. The standard is a national standard (GB/T), which is recommended but may become mandatory through local regulations or hospital requirements.

While the standard is set to take effect on November 1, 2026, foreign founders should start preparing now to ensure a smooth registration and operational launch.

Conclusion

China's new national standard for medical accompaniment services brings clarity and legitimacy to a growing industry. For foreign founders, it presents an opportunity to enter a regulated market with defined rules. By understanding the requirements and aligning your China company registration and operations accordingly, you can position your business for success.

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.