Verfahrensbeschreibungen

Procedure descriptions

Institution card (SMC-B) for the authentication of service provider institutions in the non-approved healthcare professions Extension

The SMC-B (Security Module Card Type B) is an electronic institution card and electronic institution ID card in one. It enables people working in the healthcare professions in an institution to access the telematics infrastructure (TI). The TI networks all those involved in the healthcare system and thus enables access to the electronic patient file (ePA), for example, in the future.

There are different SMC-Bs for different professional groups. There is an SMC-B for

  • Medical practices, dental practices and psychotherapy practices
  • Nursing, obstetrics and physiotherapy facilities
  • Pharmacies

You can use this online service to apply for an extension of the SMC-B for institutions with employees that are not organised in chambers. These are

  • Healthcare, nursing and geriatric care facilities
  • Obstetrics facilities
  • Physiotherapy facilities

To extend the SMC-B, you must first reapply for the right to use the card from the electronic healthcare professional register (eGBR). You then apply for the SMC-B from a trust service provider (VDA). VDAs charge an annual fee, which varies from provider to provider.

Forms/Online Services

Responsible department

District government of Münster (NRW)

Details

Prerequisite

  • They must be authorised to provide services.
  • They must be authorised to represent the institution externally.
  • The employee must have an eHBA.
  • You must pay the administration fee.

Procedure

You can renew the SMC-B online as a nursing, obstetrics or physiotherapy facility:

  • Go to the specialised portal of the electronic healthcare professions register (eGBR) and complete the online application.
  • Once your application has been received, it will be checked.
  • The review costs an administrative fee.
  • Once the check has been completed, you will receive an e-mail with the result of the check and your process number.
  • You can use the transaction number to order an SMC-B from a trust service provider (VDA) of your choice for a fee.
  • VDAs charge an annual fee, which varies from provider to provider.

Deadlines

Period of validity: 5 year(s)

Required documents

  • completed application form
  • Scan or photo of proof of your authorisation to represent the institution (e.g. power of attorney, articles of association)
  • IK (institution identification code) number
  • Number of the old SMC-B
  • eHBA (electronic health professional card) number of a person belonging to the organisation

Costs

Administration fee: 40 EUR

There is a fixed administration fee of EUR 40.00. The selected VDA also charges its own costs for the provision of the SMC-B.

Processing time

2- 4 week(s)

Miscellaneous

none

Legal basis

Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB) Fünftes Buch (V)- Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung:

  • § 340 Ausgabe von elektronischen Heilberufs- und Berufsausweisen sowie von Komponenten zur Authentifizierung von Leistungserbringerinstitutionen

Release note

Machine generated, based on the German release by: Bundesministerium für Gesundheit (BMG), 28.05.2025