Entacare Research Institute's Management and Research Fellows Participate in Formulating Japan's First Industry Guidelines for Uninsured Visiting Nursing Services
Management from Entacare Research Institute participated in drafting the 'Uninsured Visiting Nursing Guidelines Ver.1.0' (effective March 2026) by the Visiting Nursing Support Association to standardize out-of-pocket home care services.
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- 📰 Published: April 10, 2026 at 22:24
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Entacare Research Institute Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nakano-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Kei Takamaru) announces that it participated in the formulation committee and policy discussion process for the 'Uninsured Visiting Nursing Guidelines Ver.1.0' formulated by the Visiting Nursing Support Association.
This guideline will be enforced on March 31, 2026, and is positioned as a nationwide standard for the appropriate provision of uninsured (out-of-pocket) services at visiting nursing stations.
■ Background: Expanding Home Care Needs That Insurance Cannot Support
With the progression of a declining birthrate and aging population in Japan, the number of patients receiving home care is increasing, and needs that cannot be met by medical and nursing care insurance alone are rapidly expanding. This guideline was formulated to address these challenges with the aims of:
- Appropriate provision of uninsured services
- Ensuring safety and ethics
- Building sustainable business models
■ Role of Entacare Research Institute
From Entacare Research Institute, Representative Directors Ishii and Takamaru, Director Katayama, and Research Fellow Kubota participated as members of the guideline formulation committee, which is the core of this guideline. They made proposals integrating practical and research knowledge in areas such as digital health, models for affluent/out-of-pocket medical care, advancement of home care, and healthcare design from an industrial perspective. In fact, our directors are listed on the committee roster, contributing to discussion formation as part of an industry-academia-medical collaboration.
■ Collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
This guideline is formulated in compliance with the 'Ideal State of Healthcare Service Guidelines, etc.' presented by METI, systematically incorporating:
- Transparency as a voluntary industry guideline
- Evidence-based service design
- Third-party evaluation (certification system)
It has also undergone a confirmation process with relevant ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, ensuring consistency at the policy level.
■ Future Outlook
Starting with this guideline, Entacare Research Institute will promote:
- Standardization and diffusion of certification models for uninsured visiting nursing
- Service advancement utilizing digital technology
- Expansion into the business carer and affluent markets
- Construction of next-generation models for comprehensive community care
In particular, as visiting nursing evolves from 'medical care' to a 'service industry', we will strengthen our role as a hub connecting policy, research, and implementation.
■ Reference Links
Visiting Nursing Support Association Guidelines
Visiting Nursing Support Association page: https://kango.or.jp/service/ガイドライン/
This guideline will be enforced on March 31, 2026, and is positioned as a nationwide standard for the appropriate provision of uninsured (out-of-pocket) services at visiting nursing stations.
■ Background: Expanding Home Care Needs That Insurance Cannot Support
With the progression of a declining birthrate and aging population in Japan, the number of patients receiving home care is increasing, and needs that cannot be met by medical and nursing care insurance alone are rapidly expanding. This guideline was formulated to address these challenges with the aims of:
- Appropriate provision of uninsured services
- Ensuring safety and ethics
- Building sustainable business models
■ Role of Entacare Research Institute
From Entacare Research Institute, Representative Directors Ishii and Takamaru, Director Katayama, and Research Fellow Kubota participated as members of the guideline formulation committee, which is the core of this guideline. They made proposals integrating practical and research knowledge in areas such as digital health, models for affluent/out-of-pocket medical care, advancement of home care, and healthcare design from an industrial perspective. In fact, our directors are listed on the committee roster, contributing to discussion formation as part of an industry-academia-medical collaboration.
■ Collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
This guideline is formulated in compliance with the 'Ideal State of Healthcare Service Guidelines, etc.' presented by METI, systematically incorporating:
- Transparency as a voluntary industry guideline
- Evidence-based service design
- Third-party evaluation (certification system)
It has also undergone a confirmation process with relevant ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, ensuring consistency at the policy level.
■ Future Outlook
Starting with this guideline, Entacare Research Institute will promote:
- Standardization and diffusion of certification models for uninsured visiting nursing
- Service advancement utilizing digital technology
- Expansion into the business carer and affluent markets
- Construction of next-generation models for comprehensive community care
In particular, as visiting nursing evolves from 'medical care' to a 'service industry', we will strengthen our role as a hub connecting policy, research, and implementation.
■ Reference Links
Visiting Nursing Support Association Guidelines
Visiting Nursing Support Association page: https://kango.or.jp/service/ガイドライン/