Joint Commission International Accreditation

What is Joint Commission International (JCI)? 

Joint Commission International (JCI) is the global arm of the US-based Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO); the same body that certifies over 18,000 hospitals in the United States.  Although JCI approval is not the only accreditation available for medical tourism  facilities, it is a fairly good benchmark to use when researching foreign hospitals.   

Over its nearly 10-year history, JCI has accredited hospitals in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.  To see a complete list of JCI accredited facilities, click here. 

How Does JCI Define Accreditation?

JCI's standards and qualifications are derived from an international consensus of achievable expectations for structures, outcomes, and processes for medical facilities.  The standards are designed to accommodate cultural, religious, and legal factors within specific countries and regions.

Does JCI Work Alone?

JCI works closely with partner hospitals, government agencies, health providers, insurance companies, patients, legal experts, medical consultants, and other major players in the larger health care industry.  It also has at least two international partnering bodies (Fundación Avedis Donabedian (FAD) and Consortium for Brazilian Accreditation (CBA)) with which it coordinates accreditation on a more global scale.  These two accreditation partners adhere to many of the same standards, rules, and survey processes that JCI uses.   

What If a Medical Tourism Facility Doesn't Have JCI Accreditation?

If you come across a medical tourism facility that doesn't have JCI accreditation, there's no need to be alarmed.  Many countries have their own accrediting bodies that put forth standards and regulations that closely mirror (and sometimes exceed) the accrediting standards established by JCI.  You'll need to research the individual requirements of whatever accrediting agency approved your potential medical tourism facility.  To see a partial list of non-JCI accrediting bodies, please visit our Other Accreditation Organizations section.

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