山东省人民政府办公厅 recently issued the "Opinions on Strengthening the Supervision of Off-campus Care Institutions" (hereinafter referred to as the "Opinions"), which clarify the responsibilities of care institutions and establish a collaborative supervision mechanism involving local authorities, departments, and society. The Opinions came into effect on September 16 this year.

The Opinions set out specific standards for off-campus care institutions. To provide care services, institutions must first obtain the appropriate qualifications. For-profit care institutions should register their business license with "primary and secondary school students' off-campus care services" as their经营范围. Non-profit care institutions need to register as民办 non企业 units. Care institutions must also meet safety standards, ensuring they are not located in buildings where hazardous materials are produced, stored, or used. They should avoid being situated in basements, semi-basements, or buildings made of flammable materials. Additionally, any institution providing food services must have a valid food经营许可证.

The Opinions also outline specific responsibilities for care institutions. They are required to conduct fire safety drills and evacuation exercises at least once every quarter for all staff members, and provide fire safety training and evacuation drills for students at least once every six months. Staff involved in food preparation must undergo annual health checks and obtain a health certificate before working. Furthermore, care institutions are prohibited from using the guise of providing care services to conduct off-campus educational tutoring activities targeting primary and secondary school students, or from advertising such tutoring services.