The introduction of electronic medical records at all health facilities, the operation of networks of non-bank credit institutions, rules on the origin of goods in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), requirements to establish vocational schools with foreign investment and new incentives for science and technology firms are among the new policies that will come into force this month, the local media reported.

Patients receive medical checkup at a local medical center. From March 1, all hospitals and clinics nationwide must use electronic medical records

Introduction of electronic medical records

From March 1, all hospitals and clinics nationwide must use electronic medical records, according to a circular issued by the Ministry of Health. These records include the medical records of inpatients and outpatients.

Each patient is assigned an electronic medical record code. Their electronic medical records must contain information given in written medical records, as well as the signatures of those in charge.

Regulations on operating networks of non-bank credit institutions

Circular 53/2018/TT-NHNN on operating the networks of non-bank credit institutions, issued by the State Bank of Vietnam, came into force on March 1.

Accordingly, non-bank credit institutions are required to introduce regulations on their network management, including those on organizational and personnel structure, scope of operation and accounting system, risk limits for each business activity and the management and supervision of branches by their headquarters.

Rules in CPTPP on origin of goods

According to Circular 03/2019/TT-BCT, issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, goods will be considered to have clear origins if they are completely made in one or more CPTPP member countries or the materials for manufacturing the products are imported from CPTPP members.

The circular will take effect on March 8.

Requirements for foreign-invested vocational school establishment

Under the Government’s Decree 15/2019/ND-CP issued early last month, foreign investors are required to have at least 1,000 square meters of land to develop a vocational center; 10,000 square meters for each intermediate vocational school in urban areas and 20,000 square meters if the school is located in the suburbs or rural areas; and 20,000 square meters for each college in urban areas and 40,000 square meters if the college is located outside urban areas.

The investment must be at least VND5 billion for a vocational center, VND50 billion for an intermediate vocational school and VND100 billion for a college.

The decree will be valid from March 20.

New incentives for science and technology firms

Last month, the Government issued Decree 13/2019/ND-CP, creating more favorable conditions for the development of enterprises operating in the science and technology sector. These conditions will be applied from March 20.

Specifically, these enterprises will be exempt from corporate income tax for four years and will receive a reduction of 50% over the next nine years.

In addition, they will enjoy other preferential policies such as reductions in land and water surface lease fees and credit incentives.