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AI in healthcare: Will States or the Feds Shape the Future?
Table of Contents
- AI in healthcare: Will States or the Feds Shape the Future?
- AI in Healthcare: A State vs. Federal Showdown?
Is your doctor’s office using AI? Chances are, they are. But who’s watching the watchers? With Congress slow to act, states are stepping up to regulate AI in healthcare, sparking a battle between innovation and oversight.
The State of Play: A Patchwork of Regulations
the feds might be dragging their feet, but states aren’t waiting. Jared Augenstein of Manatt Health notes a surge in state-level AI bills: over 250 in 34 states this year alone, a massive jump from roughly 100 in 2024. [[citation needed]]
“There really hasn’t been that much activity, especially from a legislative perspective at the federal level,” Augenstein said. “The states have really started to step in.”
But can these state laws hold up? A House spending plan aims to block state AI regulation for a decade, setting the stage for a showdown in the Senate. [[citation needed]]
States Leading the Charge: Examples in Action
Several states are already forging ahead, creating a diverse landscape of AI regulations.
California: human Oversight is Key
california’s “Physicians Make Decisions Act” mandates that doctors review decisions made by health insurance AI. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill last fall, emphasizing the importance of human oversight. [[citation needed]]
Colorado: Transparency and Appeal Rights
Colorado requires companies to notify consumers when AI impacts their decisions, offering appeal options.However, some business groups are pushing for revisions or delayed implementation. [[citation needed]]
Utah: Disclosure and Mental Health Chatbots
Utah demands disclosure when consumers interact with AI. They’re also considering specific rules for mental health chatbots, a growing area of concern. [[citation needed]]
The Doctor’s Dilemma: AI Benefits vs. Insurance Denials
An AMA survey reveals that 61% of doctors fear insurers will use AI to increase denial rates. [[citation needed]] is AI improving healthcare, or just making it harder to get treatment?
Kim Horvath, a senior attorney with the AMA, highlights the tension: “There’s a lot of excitement about what AI can do… but there is still this fear of over-regulating.” [[citation needed]]
The Rise of the AI Doctor: Opportunities and Ethical Concerns
Two out of three doctors (66%) now use AI in their practise, up from 38% in 2023, according to the AMA. [[citation needed]] AI is helping with documentation, diagnosis, and even clinical decisions.
But this rapid adoption raises
AI in Healthcare: A State vs. Federal Showdown?
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming healthcare, but who’s setting the rules? With federal action lagging, states are taking the led in regulating AI in healthcare. we sat down with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in health tech policy, to discuss the implications.
Q&A with Dr. Anya Sharma on AI Regulation in Healthcare
Time.news Editor: Dr. Sharma, thanks for joining us. The article highlights a notable increase in state-level AI legislation in healthcare. What’s driving this trend?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Thanks for having me.The surge in state-level AI bills-over 250 in 34 states this year, compared to roughly 100 last year-reflects a growing urgency to address the potential risks and ethical considerations of AI in healthcare [[citation needed]]. States are recognizing that AI is no longer a future possibility; it’s a present reality with real-world consequences for their citizens.
time.news Editor: The piece mentions a potential conflict, with a House spending plan aiming to block state AI regulation. Could this realy happen, and what would it mean for patients and providers?
Dr. Anya Sharma: It’s certainly a scenario to watch closely.If the House spending plan succeeds in blocking state AI regulations, it would create a vacuum and potentially stifle innovation while leaving patients vulnerable to algorithmic bias or errors. The Senate is the battleground here, and the outcome will substantially shape the future of AI oversight in healthcare [[citation needed]].
Time.news Editor: Several states like California, Colorado, and Utah are highlighted for their unique approaches. What are some of the most crucial aspects of thes state regulations?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Each state is experimenting with different approaches. California’s focus on human oversight in health insurance decisions is crucial [[citation needed]]. It ensures that a doctor reviews AI recommendations, preventing algorithms from solely dictating patient care. Colorado’s emphasis on transparency and appeal rights empowers consumers by informing them when AI impacts their decisions and providing avenues for recourse [[citation needed]]. Utah’s consideration of specific rules for mental health chatbots speaks to the growing concern about the responsible deployment of AI in sensitive areas [[citation needed]]. These diverse approaches offer valuable learning opportunities for other states and, eventually, the federal government.
Time.news Editor: The AMA survey indicates that many doctors fear insurers will use AI to increase denial rates. Is this a legitimate concern?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Absolutely. The fear that insurers could leverage AI to unfairly deny claims is a valid one [[citation needed]]. It underscores the need for careful regulation to ensure AI is used to *improve* healthcare access and quality, not to reduce costs at the expense of patients. Transparency in how these AI systems are designed and used is paramount, along with mechanisms to challenge potentially biased or erroneous decisions.
Time.news Editor: On a more positive note, the article mentions that AI is increasingly used by doctors in their practise. What are some of the key benefits doctors are seeing from incorporating AI?
Dr. Anya Sharma: The adoption of AI in clinical practice is rapidly accelerating, with two out of three doctors now using it [[citation needed]]. Doctors are finding AI helpful in several areas, including streamlining documentation, improving diagnostic accuracy, and even supporting clinical decision-making. AI can analyze vast amounts of medical data to identify patterns and insights that might be missed by human clinicians, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. The FDA has already cleared over 1,000 AI-enabled medical devices, demonstrating the tangible benefits of AI in healthcare [[citation needed]].
Time.news Editor: What’s your advice for patients and healthcare providers navigating this evolving landscape of AI in healthcare?
Dr. Anya Sharma: For patients, it’s essential to be informed and advocate for your rights. Ask your doctor if AI is being used in your care and how it’s impacting decisions. Understand your appeal options if you believe an AI system has led to an unfair outcome. For healthcare providers, prioritize transparency and ethical considerations when implementing AI solutions.Ensure that AI is used to *augment* human expertise, not replace it. Stay informed about the evolving regulatory landscape and advocate for policies that promote responsible and equitable AI adoption.Keep an eye on states like washington, which are pushing for transparency in how health insurers use AI to manage claims and coverage [[citation needed]].
Time.news Editor: dr. Sharma, thank you for your insights. This is a rapidly evolving area, and your expertise is invaluable.
Dr. Anya Sharma: My pleasure. It’s a critical conversation, and I’m glad to contribute.
