National Health Commission’s Negative Behavior List for Medical Staff Internet‑Based Health Science Popularization (Trial)

The National Health Commission (NHC) announced on 7 November 2025 a “Negative Behavior List for Medical Staff Engaging in Internet‑Based Health Science Popularization (Trial).” The directive aims to formalise a registration system for medical‑staff‑run online accounts and to promote standardised health science communication both online and offline.

Regulatory Framework Highlights

• Reporting & Registration – Medical staff, including trainees and interns, who open internet accounts under a medical institution’s name or in their professional capacity must notify their employing body. Institutions are required to maintain a ledger and employ dynamic management.
• Monitoring & Oversight – A daily monitoring regime, a content‑sampling inspection system, and a content ledger must be established by all medical institutions. Local health authorities are tasked with supervising internet‑based popularization activities within their jurisdictions and ensuring open channels for feedback and reporting.

Key Prohibited Behaviours

1. Publication that violates national laws or damages the healthcare sector’s image.
2. Unlawful advertisement or promotion of pharmaceutical products, wellness courses, or health‑related e‑commerce content under the guise of science popularisation.
3. Unauthorized disclosure of patient personal data or identifying images without consent.
4. Sharing content outside professional scope or beyond expertise.
5. Dissemination of unverified, false, or misleading medical information.
6. Exaggeration or fabrication of medical cases, especially concerning high‑risk or still‑research technologies.
7. Improper use of artificial‑intelligence‑generated content lacking scientific verification or AI attribution.
8. Content that violates ethical principles, public order, or medical ethics.
9. Internet‑based popularisation conducted in a medical institution’s name or in professional capacity without proper institutional reporting.
10. Continuing to use former institution or position information for internet‑based popularisation post‑departure.

Implications for the Healthcare Industry
The NHC’s draft list sends a clear signal that medical‑staff‑led online health communication will be subject to unprecedented scrutiny. Institutions adopting robust registration, monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms stand to benefit from enhanced trust and compliance. Conversely, failure to implement these protocols could invite sanctions or reputational damage, potentially affecting institutional licensing and partnership avenues.

Forward‑Looking Statements
This release contains forward‑looking statements regarding the NHC’s regulatory impact, enforcement timelines, and compliance costs. Results will vary based on market response, institutional adoption, and regulatory enforcement intensity.-Fineline Info & Tech