The future of healthcare is being shaped by technology, specifically Artificial Intelligence (AI). Recognizing the transformative potential and known risks of AI tools and systems, the White House released an Executive Order (EO) on the “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence” on October 30, 2023. This EO is a game-changer, providing a roadmap for the development and use of AI that spans many sectors, including healthcare.
The EO emphasizes the importance of safety and security, innovation and competition, workforce commitment, equity and civil rights, consumer protection, privacy, government use of AI, and global leadership. These guiding principles and priorities aim to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly.
Specifically, in healthcare, the EO has several directives. It calls for the establishment of a Health and Human Services (HHS) AI Task Force, the development of a strategic plan for the responsible deployment and use of AI, and the formulation of policies and frameworks for AI in healthcare. It also emphasizes the importance of safety, privacy, and security standards in the software development lifecycle and the need for a strategy to regulate the use of AI in drug development processes.
Despite its potential, AI also poses significant challenges. For instance, it can make it easier to extract, re-identify, link, infer, and act on sensitive information about people’s identities, locations, habits, and desires. This raises critical questions about privacy and civil liberties. Additionally, the EO highlights the need to manage the risks of the government’s use of AI and increase its capacity to regulate and support the responsible use of AI.
In my opinion, this EO is a significant step towards responsible AI governance. However, its success heavily depends on the participation and collaboration of all stakeholders, including developers, deployers, users, auditors, and others involved in the AI lifecycle. It is crucial that organizations interested in developing or using AI tools in healthcare stay updated with the new standards, compliance expectations, and guidelines that will emerge.
Remember, while AI offers exciting possibilities, it’s essential to approach its implementation with caution, considering its potential risks and impacts. As we navigate this new AI-driven era in healthcare, let’s remember to prioritize safety, security, and the well-being of all individuals.
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