The New Global Health Impact (GHI) Standard in JCI 8th Edition
- Afya Management and Innovation
- Aug 30, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 28
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.)
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[New: Detailed Practical Guide on GHI Implementation]
Following the publication of this overview, we have prepared a comprehensive column that explores the GHI standards in greater depth, including practical preparation strategies and common implementation challenges.
Given that GHI is newly introduced in the 8th Edition, actionable know-how remains limited. Our latest article is designed to support healthcare organizations seeking initial accreditation or re-accreditation under the updated standards.
[GHI Series 1] What Is Required of Hospitals Under the Newly Introduced “GHI (Global Health Impact)” in JCI 8th Edition
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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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JCI Reaccreditation Consulting Now Available
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
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