AI regulation in healthcare need to be safe, proportionate and trusted

The NHS Alliance has welcomed a national commission’s report on regulating artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare

The report shows the need for clearer rules and stronger support for NHS organisations adopting the technology.

David Williams, deputy director of policy at the NHS Alliance, said the report was an important step towards clearer guidance on how AI should be regulated and where responsibility sits within the NHS.

Clearer rules needed for NHS leaders

As AI becomes increasingly common across healthcare, NHS organisations face a complex regulatory environment. Local leaders need to understand which uses of AI are regulated, what checks and assurances are required, and how systems should be monitored once in use.

The NHS Alliance supports an approach to AI regulation that is safe, proportionate and trusted. It believes this will be essential not only to protect patients but also to maintain public confidence as AI becomes more widely used across health services.

Effective regulation will need to balance managing potential risks with allowing healthcare organisations to benefit from new technology.

Support needed beyond regulation

While a clear regulatory framework will be important, the NHS Alliance has warned that regulation alone will not guarantee successful AI adoption.

Healthcare organisations will also need the capacity and expertise to introduce AI safely and effectively. This includes giving staff access to appropriate training and developing the skills needed to understand, manage and monitor AI technologies.

Practical guidance will also be needed to help NHS leaders translate regulatory requirements into day-to-day practice.

Investment and evidence

The NHS Alliance is also calling for sustainable investment and better access to evidence about which AI technologies work effectively in healthcare.

Understanding the benefits, risks and real-world performance of different systems will help health organisations make informed decisions about whether and how to adopt them.

Sharing evidence of successful approaches could also help safe AI solutions spread more consistently across the NHS.

Awaiting the government response

The NHS Alliance is now looking ahead to the government’s response to the commission’s recommendations.

It says continued collaboration between policymakers, NHS organisations and other health system partners will be important as the recommendations move towards implementation.

With AI expected to play an increasingly significant role in healthcare, the focus will now be on turning regulatory principles into practical measures that protect patients.