The New Global Health Impact (GHI) Standard in JCI 8th Edition

In January 2025, the Joint Commission International (JCI) Standards were updated to the 8th Edition, and one of the most notable changes is the introduction of a brand-new standard: Global Health Impact (GHI).

(For surveys conducted before January 1, 2026, standards in the Global Health Impact (GHI) chapter will be scored; however, they will not affect the accreditation decision.)

Why Was the GHI Standard Introduced?

As many of us are experiencing, global temperatures continue to rise, and ensuring a livable environment for future generations has become one of humanity’s most pressing responsibilities.

Traditionally, JCI has focused on quality of care and patient safety. With the 8th Edition, however, a new dimension has been added: environmental protection and sustainability. Healthcare institutions will now be evaluated not only on their medical practices but also on how they contribute to protecting the planet.

What Does the GHI Standard Evaluate?

The GHI standard assesses how healthcare organizations contribute to environmental protection and implement concrete sustainability initiatives. Areas of evaluation include:

• Organization-wide initiatives for environmental protection

• Staff awareness programs and education

• Reductions in electricity and water consumption

• Improvements in waste management

• Responsible use of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals

• Evaluation and improvement of supply chains

Hospitals and clinics are expected to identify areas for improvement, set goals, implement action plans, and continuously measure and evaluate outcomes.

A New Perspective for Healthcare Institutions

For some organizations, this shift may feel unfamiliar compared to traditional JCI requirements. However, environmental sustainability is a critical issue that affects all of us.

The GHI standard should not be seen as an additional burden, but rather as an opportunity to integrate healthcare quality with environmental responsibility. By embracing these practices, medical institutions can demonstrate leadership not only in patient care but also in shaping a healthier planet.

As more healthcare organizations undergo assessment under the Global Health Impact (GHI) standards, we plan to publish additional columns analyzing real-world cases and evaluation outcomes.

If you have any questions or would like further clarification, please feel free to contact us via our inquiry form.

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[Update] JCI Reaccreditation Consulting Now Available

14,-Dec, 2025

With the introduction of the JCI 8th Edition, accreditation requirements continue to evolve.

For hospitals already accredited, reaccreditation presents new and ongoing challenges.

In response, we have launched new services specialized in JCI re-accreditation support.

Example of our re-accreditation–focused services:

• Online lectures on key revisions from the JCI 7th Edition to the 8th Edition

  (including interactive Q&A sessions with our JCI consultants)

• JCI re-accreditation consulting services, tailored to your organization’s current status and needs

▶ Learn more about our JCI Reaccreditation Consulting services