German Bundestag holds hearing on digital healthcare innovation law

The German Bundestag's health committee held a hearing on October 14, 2026, regarding the draft Law for Data and Digital Innovation in Healthcare (GeDIG). The legislation aims to accelerate the digitalization of the German healthcare system and establish a planned primary care system.

Representatives from the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (vdek) emphasized that the law should utilize existing electronic patient record (ePA) apps to avoid costly duplicate structures. They advocated for the rapid integration of essential documents, such as electronic vaccination records and maternal health booklets, to ensure patients feel the practical benefits of digitalization sooner.

Additionally, the Federal Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists (KZBV) expressed support for provisions that recognize the role of self-governance in healthcare. They proposed replacing strict billing bans for dental practices with uncertified practice management systems with a tiered compensation reduction model. The KZBV also stressed that software manufacturers must be held accountable for ensuring system interoperability and timely certification, as practitioners cannot control software implementation.