State Council General Office Issues 'Opinions on Promoting the Development of Elderly Care Services,' Outlining 28 Measures Across Financing, Consumption, and Entrepreneurship

On April 16, VCBeat (WeChat: vcbeat) learned that the General Office of the State Council had issued the “Opinions on Promoting the Development of Elderly Care Services” (hereinafter referred to as the “Opinions”).

The “Opinions” point out that the CPC Central Committee and the State Council attach great importance to elderly care services. In accordance with the arrangements for elderly care services set forth in the 2019 Government Work Report, in order toClearing “bottlenecks” and eliminating “pain points””, remove development obstacles, improve market mechanisms, continuously refine the elderly care service system that is home-based, community-supported, institution-supplemented, and integrates medical and elderly care services. By 2022, on the basis of ensuring universal access to basic elderly care services, effectively meet the diversified and multi-level needs for elderly care services, significantly enhance the sense of gain, happiness, and security among the elderly and their children. The Opinion proposes 28 specific policy measures across six aspects. VCBeat has compiled these details.

The "Opinions" require the formulation of relevant policy documents to strengthen comprehensive supervision of elderly care services, establish a cross-departmental collaborative regulatory mechanism with clear division of responsibilities and full accountability, and improve the ex-ante and ex-post regulatory systems. Increase efforts to investigate and punish violations, adhering toThe most rigorous standards, the strictest supervision, the harshest penalties, and the most serious accountability. The “Opinions” stipulate that by the end of June 2019, the state shall establish and improveJoint Disciplinary Mechanism for Dishonesty, impose joint disciplinary measures on elderly care service providers (including elderly care institutions, home- and community-based elderly care service providers, as well as other enterprises, public institutions, and social organizations whose business scope and articles of association include elderly care services) and related personnel who engage in serious acts of dishonesty.

The “Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be the responsibility of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission, the People’s Bank of China, and the State Administration for Market Regulation, according to their respective duties, with local people’s governments at all levels also bearing responsibility.

“The Opinions” propose to fully leverageThe Safety-Net Role of Public Elderly Care Institutions and Publicly Built, Privately Operated Elderly Care Facilities, with a focus on elderly individuals with disabilities (including dementia, as defined below) who face financial hardship, and elderly individuals from families with special family planning circumstancesProvide free or low-cost custodial care services. Formulate management measures for publicly built and privately operated elderly care institutions,Uphold the public-welfare nature of public elderly care institutions, define the scope of guaranteed services, and allow the remaining beds to be open to the general public., formulate and implement fee guidance standards, with the proceeds used to support elderly care services for individuals covered by basic safety-net guarantees. Explore conditions where feasiblePublic Elderly Care Institutions Restructured into State-Owned Elderly Care Service Enterprises。

The “Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be implemented by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the State Commission Office for Public Sector Reform, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, and the National Health Commission in accordance with their respective responsibilities, with local people’s governments at all levels bearing responsibility for implementation.

The “Opinions” require that fire safety approval services for elderly care institutions be improved to enhance approval efficiency. For elderly care institutions that legally apply for fire protection design review, fire protection acceptance inspection, and fire protection filing, proactive technical consultation services on fire protection shall be provided, and procedures shall be handled promptly in accordance with the law. Localities shall implement standardized fire safety management in the elderly care service sector based on local conditions, carry out self-inspection and self-correction of potential hazards, and improve self-management capabilities.

The “Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be the responsibility of the Ministry of Emergency Management, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the State Administration for Market Regulation, according to their respective duties, with local people’s governments at all levels bearing responsibility.

The “Opinions” point out that elderly care service institutions meeting the conditions stipulated under current policies,Eligible for preferential fiscal and tax policies for small and micro enterprises, among others.. Study the corporate income tax support policies for non-profit elderly care service institutions. ToTax and fee reduction and exemption policies are provided to elderly care service institutions that offer daytime care, rehabilitation nursing, meal assistance, and mobility support services within communities.. Implement policies for the reduction and exemption of various administrative and institutional fees, implementElderly care institutions shall enjoy residential utility pricing policies for electricity, water, gas, and heat., and shall not refuse to implement the relevant price policies on grounds such as the nature of land or housing.

The “Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance, the State Taxation Administration, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the State Administration for Market Regulation in accordance with their respective duties, with local people’s governments at all levels bearing responsibility.

The “Opinions” point out that,By 2022, no less than 55% of lottery public welfare funds allocated for social welfare undertakings shall be used to support the development of elderly care services.Include Elderly Care Services in the Government’s Guiding Catalog for Purchased Services. Formulate provincial-level standards for government procurement of elderly care services,Key areas for procurement include daily living assistance, rehabilitation and nursing care, institutional operations, social work services, and personnel training.。

The "Opinions" stipulate that this provision shall be the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the National Health Commission according to their respective division of duties, with local people's governments at all levels assuming responsibility.

The “Opinions” require that,SupportFocusing on the Elderly Care Services SectorBuild a Group of Influential and Competitive Trademark Brands for Elderly Care Services, strengthen legal protection for trademarks and brands in the elderly care services sector.

The “Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be the responsibility of the State Administration for Market Regulation, the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the National Development and Reform Commission, in accordance with their respective duties, and shall be implemented by local people’s governments at all levels.

The “Opinions” require the establishment of a monitoring, analysis, and development evaluation mechanism for elderly care services, the improvement of statistical classification standards for elderly care services, and the strengthening of statistical monitoring efforts. FormulateSpecification for Public Disclosure of Service Quality Information in Elderly Care Institutions, publicly disclose the list of elderly care service projects, service guidelines, service standards, and other information.Centralized Cleanup and AbolitionIn the public construction and private operation of elderly care service institutions, bidding for elderly care facilities, and government purchase of elderly care servicesVarious regulations and practices that involve local protectionism, exclude for-profit elderly care service institutions from participating in competition, and otherwise impede the establishment of a unified market and fair competition.

The Opinions stipulate that this provision shall be implemented by the National Bureau of Statistics, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and the State Administration for Market Regulation in accordance with their respective responsibilities, with provincial-level people's governments assuming responsibility.

“The Opinion” points out that for those who meet the credit conditions but are temporarily encountering operational difficultiesPrivate Elderly Care Institutions, continueProvide financial support。Reduce Financing Surcharges, reducing financing costs.Encourage Commercial Banks to ExploreIssue asset (facility) mortgage loans and accounts receivable pledge loans to private elderly care institutions with clear property rights. ExploreFor-Profit Elderly Care Institutions AllowedAssets such as land and facilities acquired for considerationConducting mortgage financing. VigorouslySupportHighly market-oriented and standardized entities that meet the eligibility criteriaPublic Listing and Financing of Elderly Care Service Enterprises。Support for Commercial Insurance InstitutionsHostElderly Care Service Institutionsor participate in the construction and operation of elderly care service institutions, moderately broaden the sources of funding for insurance capital invested in the construction of elderly care projects. Better leverage the role of startup guarantee loan policies,For those engaged in the elderly care service industryand eligible individuals and small and micro enterprisesProvide Loan Support, encourage financial institutions to reasonably determine loan interest rates by referencing the Loan Prime Rate (LPR) and taking into account risk-sharing arrangements.

The "Opinions" stipulate that this clause shall be the responsibility of the People's Bank of China, the Ministry of Finance, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, and the Ministry of Natural Resources, according to their respective division of duties.

“The Opinion” points out that support should be given to the reasonable and flexible setting of bond terms, options, and principal and interest repayment methods,Facilities and equipment for providing elderly care services, such as daily living assistance and rehabilitative nursing, as well as projects for the development of rehabilitative assistive devices and products.Encourage enterprises to issue perpetual bonds, for the construction of projects with longer payback periods, such as elderly care institutions. For elderly care service projects that generate stable cash flows after completion, it is permitted toBond Issuance Backed by Future Project Revenue RightsProvide pledge guarantee. AllowBy way of mortgage guarantee over the right to use construction landProvide credit enhancement for bonds. Explore the issuance of project revenue notes and project revenue bonds to support the construction and operation of projects in the elderly care service industry.

The “Opinions” stipulate that this clause shall be implemented by the National Development and Reform Commission, the People’s Bank of China, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, and the China Securities Regulatory Commission in accordance with their respective responsibilities.

The "Opinions" point out that,Foreign CapitalIn mainland China, through models such as public-private partnerships (PPP), government procurement of services, and publicly built facilities operated by private entitiesParticipate in the Development of Elderly Care Services，Enjoy the same treatment as domestic capital. Elderly care institutions established in mainland China by overseas capital that accept government-subsidized individuals shall enjoy equal preferential policies, such as operational subsidies. Products and services for elderly care and rehabilitation will be included in the exhibitor recruitment scope of the China International Import Expo, with an exploration into setting up dedicated zones for elderly care and rehabilitation.

The "Opinions" stipulate that this clause shall be the responsibility of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Commerce, according to their respective divisions of duties.

The “Opinions” stipulate that by the end of September 2019, formulate and implementOccupational Skill Standards for Elderly Care Workers.Strengthen the oversight of heads and management personnel of elderly care service institutionsPre-employment Training and Regular Training, to ensure their mastery of laws, regulations, policies, and standards related to elderly care services. Implement policies such as subsidies for training costs and vocational skill appraisal fees for elderly care service practitioners in accordance with regulations.Encourage Various Types of InstitutionsParticularly vocational colleges (including technical schools)Establish majors or offer courses related to elderly care services, establish majors such as Health Services and Management, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Wellness, and TCM Rehabilitation in regular higher education institutions. Promote the development of practical training bases for elderly care services in vocational colleges (including technical schools). Implement student financial aid policies in accordance with relevant regulations.

The “Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be the responsibility of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the State Administration for Market Regulation, according to their respective duties, with local people’s governments at all levels bearing responsibility.

The "Opinions" point out that a number of positions should be developed at the grassroots level, particularly in sub-districts (townships) and communities (villages).Elderly Care Service Positions, priority shall be given to employing individuals with employment difficulties, registered impoverished populations, and college graduates. For elderly care service institutions that recruit individuals with employment difficulties, sign labor contracts, and pay social insurance premiums, social insurance subsidies shall be provided in accordance with relevant regulations.

“The Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be implemented by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development in accordance with their respective responsibilities, with local people’s governments at all levels bearing responsibility for implementation.

"The Opinion" points out that research should be conducted on establishing a nationalEvaluation, Compliance, and Commendation Program for Advanced Collectives and Individuals in Elderly Care ServicesOrganize and conduct the National Elderly Caregiver Skills Competition, carry out care initiatives for elderly caregivers, strengthen public publicity of their exemplary deeds and spirit of dedication, and ensure that their labor contributions and social value are respected across society.

“The Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be the responsibility of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the National Health Commission, and the National Radio and Television Administration, in accordance with their respective duties.

The “Opinions” point out that we should study and establish industry standards for long-term care services, including service items, standards, and quality evaluation, and improve a professional long-term care service system that integrates home-based, community-based, and institutional care. ImproveNational Standard for Assessing the Functional Capacity of Older Adults，through government procurement of services and other means，Conduct Unified Comprehensive Assessment of Elderly Individuals' Functional Capacity, taking into account conditions such as disability, dementia, and other impairments, with the assessment results serving as the basis for receiving elderly subsidies and accessing basic elderly care services. A comprehensive subsidy system shall be established for economically disadvantaged older adults who are of advanced age or have disabilities.Strengthen Coordination with the Two Subsidies Policy for Persons with Disabilities. Accelerate the implementation of pilot programs for the long-term care insurance system and promote the establishment of a long-term care insurance framework suited to national conditions.Encourage the development of commercial long-term care insurance products, providing personalized long-term care services to insured individuals.

The “Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be implemented by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the National Health Commission, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the National Healthcare Security Administration, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, and the China Disabled Persons’ Federation in accordance with their respective responsibilities.

The “Opinions” point out that,Support for Commercial Insurance InstitutionsCarried out in cities at the prefecture level and aboveReverse Mortgage Insurance for Elderly Housing, establish green channels at institutions involved in real estate transactions, mortgage registration, and notarization to streamline administrative procedures and enhance service efficiency. Encourage commercial pension insurance institutions to develop pension security management services that meet long-term elderly care needs. Support banks, trust companies, and other financial institutions in developingPension-oriented financial products, such as wealth management products and trust products, appropriately relax age restrictions for elderly individuals who meet credit criteria when applying for loans in accordance with the law, thereby enhancing the accessibility and satisfaction of financial services for the elderly. Expand the scale of pension-targeted fund management and encourage investors to hold pension-targeted funds for the long term.

The Opinions stipulate that this clause shall be the responsibility of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the People's Bank of China, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and the Ministry of Natural Resources, in accordance with their respective duties.

The "Opinions" point out that a national innovation design competition for products and supplies for the elderly should be launched, a catalog of such products and supplies should be formulated, and a collaborative platform for industry-academia-research-application cooperation should be established to promote the translation and dissemination of research outcomes.Issuance of Measures for the Configuration, Leasing, Recycling, and Financial Leasing of Rehabilitation Assistive Devices for the Elderly, advance the establishment of rehabilitation assistive device configuration service (rental) stations in elderly care institutions and urban and rural communities. Conduct systematic research on nutritionally balanced meal planning,Developing Dietary Products Tailored to the Nutritional and Health Needs of the Elderly Population, gradually improve the dietary structure of the elderly population.

“The Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be implemented by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Health Commission in accordance with their respective responsibilities.

The “Opinions” point out the need to strengthen joint law enforcement efforts and organize special rectification campaigns against infringing activities in the consumption of products and services for the elderly. Regarding nursing homes that, to make up for insufficient funding for facility construction, engage in the sale of pre-paidmarketing through forms such as “membership cards”, in accordance withPrinciple of Inclusive and Prudent Regulation, with Clearly Defined Restrictive Conditions, adopts the third-party custodian model of commercial banks to ensure the safety of fund management and usage.

The "Opinions" stipulate that this clause shall be implemented by the State Administration for Market Regulation, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the National Health Commission, the People's Bank of China, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, and the National Radio and Television Administration in accordance with their respective responsibilities, with local people's governments at all levels bearing responsibility.

The “Opinions” point out that,Promote Collaboration Between Existing Medical and Healthcare Institutions and Elderly Care Facilities, leverage complementary advantages, and streamline the establishment process for integrated medical and elderly care institutions,Implement “One-Window” Processing。Medical institutions with legal person status may provide elderly care services by modifying their registered items or business scope.Promote the integration of medical and elderly care services in rural areas and communities, advance the establishment of contracted service relationships between primary healthcare institutions and medical personnel with elderly households, and establishVillage Doctors’ Participation in Health and Elderly Care ServicesIncentive Mechanisms. Regions with the necessary conditions may support family doctors in providing home visit services for the elderly. EncourageMedical Personnel Practicing in Integrated Medical and Elderly Care Institutions, andEnjoy equal treatment in professional title evaluation and other aspects.。

The Opinions stipulate that this provision shall be the responsibility of the National Health Commission, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the State Commission Office for Public Sector Reform, and the National Healthcare Security Administration, according to their respective division of duties.

“The Opinions” point out that,Support elderly care institutions in operating community-based elderly care service facilities and providing home-based services to seniors living at home.. Exploration"Property Management + Elderly Care Services" Model, support property service enterprises in carrying out diverse elderly care services such as meal provision and regular visits. Establish a “three-sector linkage” mechanism, with communities as the platform, social organizations specializing in elderly care services as the vehicle, and social workers as the support, while vigorously promoting volunteer-based elderly care services.Actively Explore Mutual-Aid Elderly Care Services. Vigorously cultivate a team of elderly-care volunteers, accelerate the establishment of a volunteer service record system, actively explore initiatives such as “academic credits for student community volunteer service” and “time banks,” and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of volunteers.

The “Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be the responsibility of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the National Health Commission, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Education, the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, and the Red Cross Society of China, in accordance with their respective duties.

The “Opinions” point out that efforts to address quality hazards should continue to be vigorously promoted, standards and norms for safety in elderly care institutions should be clarified at an accelerated pace, and mandatory national standards should be formulated to ensure the basic service quality and safety of elderly care institutions.Implement a National Unified Rating and Certification System for Elderly Care Services. Improve the food safety supervision mechanism for elderly care institutions. Expand the coverage of comprehensive liability insurance for elderly care services, and encourage home- and community-based elderly care service providers to purchase employer’s liability insurance and elderly care liability insurance.

The “Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be the responsibility of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the National Health Commission, the Ministry of Emergency Management, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, in accordance with their respective duties.

The “Opinions” point out that,Continuously Promote the Development of the Smart Health and Elderly Care Industry, to promote the in-depth application of next-generation information technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and big data, as well as intelligent hardware products, in the field of elderly care services. Across ChinaEstablish a number of “Smart Nursing Homes””, promote the Internet of Things (IoT) and remote intelligent security monitoring technologies to achieve 24-hour automated security surveillance, reduce the risk of accidents among the elderly, and improve service experience. Leverage internet and biometric technologies,Exploring the Establishment of a Remote Application and Review Mechanism for Elderly SubsidiesAccelerate the development of a national information management system for elderly care services, and promote integration with information resources such as household registration, healthcare, social insurance, and social assistance. Strengthen the protection of information security for the elderly, including identity and biometric data.

The “Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be implemented by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the National Health Commission in accordance with their respective responsibilities.

"The Opinions" point out that it is necessary to establish and improveRegular VisitsWorking Mechanisms for Elderly Individuals Living Alone, in Empty-Nest Households, and as Left-Behind Seniors: Proactively Preventing and Promptly Identifying Accidental Risks.Promote the "Elderly Care Service Consultant" Model, playing roles such as facilitating supply-demand matchmaking and providing service guidance. Explore the use of open tendering processes to support qualified social organizations in accepting entrustment from special elderly groups—including those from families affected by family planning policies, the childless and widowed, and individuals with disabilities—to legally handle matters such as admission to elderly care institutions and medical treatment on their behalf. Actively organize activities beneficial to the physical and mental well-being of the elderly.

“The Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be the responsibility of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the National Health Commission, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security in accordance with their respective duties, and shall be implemented by local people’s governments at all levels.

The “Opinions” point out that priority should be given to developingCommunity-Based Education for the Elderly, establish and improve the three-tier community elderly education network at the county (city, district), township (subdistrict), and village (neighborhood committee) levels to facilitate convenient access to learning for the elderly.. Establish a national public service platform for elderly education, and encourage various educational institutions to organize or participate in elderly education through diverse forms.

The "Opinions" stipulate that this provision shall be the responsibility of the Ministry of Education, the National Health Commission, the Organization Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and the Ministry of Civil Affairs, according to their respective duties.

The "Opinions" point out that, starting from 2019Implementation of the Renovation and Upgrading Project for Care Facilities for Individuals in Extreme Poverty (Nursing Homes), actively leverage the guiding role of government investment, fully mobilize social resources, and support the construction of care facilities for individuals in extreme poverty (nursing homes), upgrade and transform beds into care-oriented ones, and establish care units for disabled elderly people through models such as public-private partnerships and publicly built but privately operated facilities, to ensure that those who wish to reside in themAll Individuals in Extreme Poverty Are Provided with Centralized Care. Gradually integrate care and support service facilities for individuals in extreme poverty(Elderly Care Homes) Transform into Regional Elderly Care Service Centers.

“The Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be the responsibility of the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the National Development and Reform Commission, according to their respective duties, and of local people’s governments at all levels.

The “Opinions” point out that, starting from 2019, the Ministry of Civil Affairs at the central level and local people’s governments at all levels have allocated funds for social welfare undertakings.Lottery Public Welfare Fund, adopt"Subsidies in Lieu of Awards"and other measures to guide and assist existing private elderly care institutions in configuring fire protection facilities and equipment in accordance with national engineering construction fire safety technical standards, and to carry out rectification for major fire hazards.

The "Opinions" stipulate that this clause shall be the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the Ministry of Emergency Management, in accordance with their respective duties.

The “Opinions” point out that, by the end of 2020, measures such as government subsidies shall be adopted to carry out home accessibility modifications in accordance with the “Code for Design on Accessibility” for all households with elderly members who are of advanced age, disabled, or living with disabilities and who are covered under special hardship support programs or registered in the poverty-alleviation database.Implementing Age-Friendly Renovations. In areas with the necessary conditions, active guidance should be provided to urban and rural elderly households for age-friendly home modifications.

The “Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be implemented by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Finance, the National Health Commission, the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, and the China Disabled Persons’ Federation in accordance with their respective responsibilities, with local people’s governments at all levels bearing responsibility for implementation.

The “Opinions” point out the need to improve the “Four Simultaneities” work rules (simultaneous planning, simultaneous construction, simultaneous acceptance, and simultaneous delivery). In accordance with relevant national standards and norms, the construction of community-based home elderly care service facilities shall beInclusion in the Scope of Construction for Urban and Rural Community Supporting Facilities。For Vacant Public Rental Housing, it is possible to explore allowing free provision to social forces,to enable them to carry out activities for the elderly in the communityDay care, rehabilitation nursing, meal assistance and mobility support, elderly education, etc.Services. Municipal and county-level governments shall formulatePolicy on Repurposing Idle Facilities into Elderly Care Service FacilitiesMeasures.

The “Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission in accordance with their respective responsibilities, with local people’s governments at all levels bearing responsibility for implementation.

The “Opinions” state that non-profit elderly care service institutions may apply for land allocation based on the Social Service Organization Registration Certificate issued by the registration authority and other statutory materials. The natural resources and civil affairs departments shall actively coordinate to implement the land allocation policy. All localities are encouraged to exploreLeveraging Collective Construction Land to Develop Elderly Care Service Facilities. For existing commercial service land and other types of land used for the construction of elderly care service facilities, adjustments to land use and planning requirements—such as average unit area, lease terms, parking space ratios, and fire safety review and acceptance—are permitted in accordance with age-friendly design standards.

The “Opinions” stipulate that this provision shall be the responsibility of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and the Ministry of Civil Affairs in accordance with their respective division of duties, and shall be implemented by local people’s governments at all levels.

Full text of the policy: http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/2019-04/16/content_5383270.htm