Top 10 Global Long-Term Care & Healthcare Policy Developments of 2025
(Source: Pexels)
In 2025, global policymakers prioritised scalable Long-Term Care (LTC) models and digital health frameworks amid demographic pressures. China's landmark nationwide AI healthcare strategy stands out for its scale, integrating AI into primary care across over 500 clinics and CNY 15-20 billion investment, influencing BRICS and emerging markets.
1. China's Nationwide AI Healthcare Strategy
China's National Health Commission unveiled a comprehensive AI healthcare plan on November 4, 2025, aiming to integrate AI-assisted diagnostics into all primary care facilities by 2030. The plan will be implemented through pilots in 50 hospitals and 500 clinics, starting in 2026. Backed by CNY 15-20 billion in funding, it builds a national health data infrastructure, setting a model for scalable digital health in aging societies worldwide.
Source: China Sets Ambitious Goal with Its Nationwide AI Healthcare Vision
2. EU Adopts European Health Data Space (EHDS) Regulation
The EU formally adopted the EHDS Regulation in early 2025, entering force on March 26 to enable secure cross-border health data exchange for primary care and research. It mandates data sharing by health data holders while prioritizing privacy and interoperability.
Source: European Health Data Space Regulation (EHDS)
3. FDA Finalizes Predetermined Change Control Plans (PCCP) Guidance for AI-Enabled Medical Devices
FDA's December 2024 guidance (effective 2025) on PCCP allows AI/ML devices to pre-authorize updates, streamlining lifecycle management and accelerating adaptive tech deployment globally.
Source: AI Medical Devices: FDA Draft Guidance, TPLC & PCCP Guide 2025
4. Trump Issues AI Executive Order Challenging State Regulations
President Trump's December 11, 2025, EO promotes unified federal AI policy, reducing state-level regulatory fragmentation to foster telemedicine and diagnostics innovation with lighter federal oversight.
Source: Executive Order Takes Aim at State AI Laws
5. Asia-Pacific LTC Reforms Accelerate Market Growth to over USD 2 trillion
Japan, China, and South Korea advanced LTC insurance and home care subsidies, projecting regional market CAGR leadership through 2033 amid workforce shortages addressed via telemedicine.
6. EU Civil Society Calls for Ambitious LTC Reforms
January 2025 joint call by EFSI urged EU Commission for Long-Term Care funding boosts, workforce training, and quality-focused procurement to bridge care gaps preventively.
Source: The new EU Commission must prioritise long-term care ambitions
7. OECD Reports Shift to Home-Based LTC Models
November's Health at a Glance 2025 noted OECD bed reductions favoring community care, with reforms in Germany, France, and others enhancing workforce and supply balance.
Source: Health at a Glance 2025
8. US Proposes HIPAA Security Rule Overhaul
HHS's late 2024 HIPAA updates (advanced 2025) mandate encryption, MFA, and audits for ePHI, bolstering digital health cybersecurity under continued enforcement flexibility.
Source: Vital Signs: Digital Health Law Update | Spring 2025
9. Japan Updates Long-Term Care Insurance and Immigration Policies
2025 reforms raised health contributions to 4.955%, extended visas for care tech startups, and TB screening for caregivers to sustain super-aging demographics.
Source: Japan Statutory Updates 2025
10. EU Cybersecurity Action Plan for Healthcare
EU's 2025-2026 NIS2 plan pilots cyber hygiene for hospitals, including vulnerability assessments and early warnings to safeguard digital health infrastructure.
Source: European action plan on the cybersecurity of hospitals and healthcare providers
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