In order to operate, a hospital does not have to be listed in the respective hospital plan. However, to be able to provide in-patient treatment covered by statutory health insurance funds, hospitals must either be listed in a hospital plan, be legally recognised as university clinic or have a provision contract with the health insurance fund associations. Being included in a hospital plan is also important with regard to investment assistance grants. Only those hospitals that are included in a hospital plan receive grants from the respective federal entity (Land) for the purchasing or replacement of equipment and other investments.