Abstract: Accurate diagnosis of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) cases is the prerequisite and foundation for conducting HAIs surveillance. Current "Diagnostic Criteria for HAIs" promulgated by the Ministry of Health of China in 2001 has been in use for over two decades. With the continuous advancement of clinical medicine and related disciplines, significant progress has been made in the diagnostic techniques and methods for infectious diseases. In response, the National Health Commission has initiated the project and organized experts to draft the "Standard for identifying cases of health care-associated infections: general principles", aiming to adapt to the development and changes in the criteria for determining HAIs, meet the practical needs of HAI surveillance, keep pace with the times, and align with international advanced standards.