AHA has responded to a request from Rep. Ami Bera regarding the current state of artificial intelligence in healthcare, emphasizing the need for flexible regulation to keep pace with innovation. The organization highlighted the importance of regulating technology based on how and where it is used, as this allows oversight organizations to tailor their regulation to the specific risks associated with the technology. A sector-specific approach to regulating AI is essential, as it is not a one-size-fits-all technology and a blanket approach could stifle innovation in patient care and hospital operations.
The organization stressed that regulating AI based on its use across different sectors, similar to how software is regulated, would be the most effective way to address the risks to safety and privacy unique to health care. AHA proposed adapting existing technology-focused regulatory frameworks to accommodate the unique aspects of AI, rather than creating new regulations from scratch, as a more efficient and effective approach. This approach would ensure that regulation keeps pace with innovation and allows caregivers to apply AI for patient benefit.
