The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has approved the Regulations on Chaplaincy in the Healthcare Sector (Order No. 1407 of September 9, 2025), which defines the procedures for organizing spiritual care in medical and rehabilitation institutions. The Order was registered with the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine on October 6, 2025.

The Regulations govern the work of chaplains and their assistants, who provide for the spiritual and religious needs of patients, their families, and healthcare staff. The document allows for chaplaincy ministry to be carried out both on a staff and volunteer basis — provided that an agreement is concluded between a religious organization and a healthcare institution.

The Regulations also guarantee patients the right to receive spiritual care from a clergyperson of any denomination and outline the main duties of chaplains, including conducting worship services, offering spiritual support, carrying out educational activities, and cooperating with religious and civil society organizations.

It should be noted that the position of chaplain within the healthcare system was officially introduced in 2022.