Rep. Ami Bera made a request for information about the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, and the American Hospital Association (AHA) responded by emphasizing the need for flexible regulation to keep up with innovation. The AHA highlighted that regulating technology based on how and where it is used is crucial, as this allows oversight organizations to tailor their regulation to the specific risks associated with the technology.
The organization argued that a sector-specific approach to regulating AI is necessary since it is not a one-size-fits-all technology, and a blanket approach could stifle innovation in patient care and hospital operations. Instead of creating new regulations from scratch, AHA proposed adapting existing technology-focused regulatory frameworks to accommodate the unique aspects of AI. This approach would ensure that regulation keeps pace with innovation and enables caregivers to apply AI for patient benefit.
In conclusion, the AHA stressed that regulating AI based on its use across different sectors is the most effective way to address safety and privacy risks in healthcare. Flexible regulation that takes into account how and where AI is used will allow oversight organizations to tailor their regulation effectively, ensuring that innovation continues while keeping patients safe.
