Draft law to regulate elderly care institutions

BEIJING - Local governments in China will have to regulate the cost of services in elderly care institutions, according to a draft amendment to Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of the Elders.

The draft was submitted Monday to a bimonthly session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, which will run from Dec 24 to 28, for the second reading.

The amendment aims to address issues at some elderly care service providers, including confusing charging standards and the aged not being provided with aftercare services after institution change or termiantion.

"Local governments at all levels should regulate charges and standards for elderly care services with strengthened supervision and management of elderly care institutions," the draft says.

It also stipulates that related organizations are responsible for properly resettling senior people when their care providers are reorganized or terminated.