Core Viewpoint - The National Health Commission, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the National Disease Control Bureau have jointly issued a pilot work plan for hospital accompanying-free care services, focusing on cities with significant aging populations and high demand for such services [1][2]. Group 1: Pilot Program Implementation - The pilot program will prioritize tertiary hospitals with a high proportion of elderly inpatients and a strong demand for accompanying-free care services [1]. - Accompanying-free care services will be provided based on the patient's condition and self-care ability, with nurses or hired medical caregivers assisting in daily living activities [1][2]. - The program specifies that medical caregivers are not classified as health professionals and must work under the guidance of medical staff, providing assistance with meals, hygiene, and bathing for patients who are partially or fully dependent [1]. Group 2: Operational Guidelines - Hospitals participating in the pilot must ensure that the nurse-to-bed ratio in the pilot wards is at least 0.6:1 [2]. - A comprehensive training and management system for medical caregivers will be established, focusing on professional skills, service quality, and infection control [2]. - The program encourages the use of information technology to enhance service efficiency, including the development of smart wards and the use of data collection methods [2].