Decision No. 42/2008/QD-BYT stipulates the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Health Insurance Department under the Ministry of Health.

Pursuant to …;

Regulations on functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structureof the Health Insurance Department under the Ministry of Health

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THE MINISTER OF HEALTH

Pursuant to Decree No. 178/2007/NĐ-CP dated December 3, 2007 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of ministries and ministerial-level agencies;

Pursuant to Decree No. 188/2007/NĐ-CP dated December 27, 2007 of the Government on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Health;

Considering the proposal of the Director of the Personnel Department and the Director of the Health Insurance Department, Ministry of Health,

DECISION:

Article 1. Position and Functions

The Health Insurance Department is a specialized department under the Ministry of Health, with the function of advising the Minister of Health on state management in the field of health insurance throughout the country.

Article 2. Tasks and Authorities

1. Take the lead in drafting, amending, and supplementing regulatory legal documents in the field of health insurance, and submit them for approval by competent authorities.

2. Take the lead in drafting strategies, plans, and long-term and short-term programs for the development of health insurance services, and submit them to the Minister of Health for approval within his/her authority or for submission to the Prime Minister for approval.

3. Participate in drafting plans for developing healthcare systems, hospital fee policies, national drug policies, and other policies related to the benefits of health insurance participants.

4. Take the lead and coordinate with relevant units in drafting procedures and contents for health insurance claims assessment and other national technical standards in the field of health insurance, and submit them to the Minister of Health for issuance.

5. Take the lead and coordinate with relevant units in drafting, amending, and supplementing lists of drugs, medical supplies, and medical services covered by the health insurance fund, and submit them to the Minister of Health for issuance.

6. Advise and propose forms of payment for health insurance examination and treatment costs, measures to control such costs, and methods to ensure and improve the quality of examination and treatment for those holding health insurance cards.

7. Promote, disseminate, and guide the implementation of regulatory legal documents on health insurance. Direct and guide healthcare facilities in organizing examinations, treatments, and rehabilitation services for those holding health insurance cards.

8. Take the lead in organizing inspections; coordinate with the Inspectorate of the Ministry and relevant units to conduct inspections of organizations and individuals in their implementation of laws on health insurance; resolve complaints and issues related to the field of health insurance.

9. Develop statistical indicators on health insurance. Summarize, evaluate, and conclude activities in the field of health insurance.

10. Take the lead in drafting content and coordinate in organizing training activities to enhance management and professional capacity in the field of health insurance.

11. Implement scientific research activities, international cooperation, and programs and projects in the field of health insurance.

12. Perform other tasks assigned by the Minister of Health.

Article 3. Organizational Structure and Operations

1. Leadership of the Department

The Director and Deputy Directors of the Department are appointed and relieved of duty by the Minister of Health. The Director is responsible to the Minister of Health for all activities of the Department. The Deputy Directors assist the Director and are responsible to the Director for the tasks assigned to them.

2. Quota

The staffing of the Department is determined by the Decision of the Minister of Health and adjusted annually based on work requirements and proposals from the Director.

3. Operational Mechanism

The Health Insurance Department operates under a specialist system. Civil servants in the Department are responsible to the Department's leadership for the tasks assigned to them.

Article 4. Effective date

This Decision shall take effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette. This Decision replaces Decision No. 27/2005/QĐ-BYT dated September 13, 2005 of the Minister of Health on the functions, tasks, and powers of the Health Insurance Department.

Article 5. Responsibilities for Implementation

The Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry, the Chief Inspector of the Ministry, the Heads of Departments, the Heads of General Departments, and the Heads of organizations and individuals concerned are responsible for implementing this Decision./.