Response to the call for evidence by the National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare's call for evidence

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare presents both risks and opportunities. In our submission, we highlight that the regulation of AI must explicitly address the risk of exacerbating existing health inequalities and ensure it does not adversely impact particular groups, including those with protected characteristics. We urged the Commission to strengthen its focus on work to reduce health inequalities.

We also outline that it is essential for healthcare professionals, regulators, patients and the public to have clarity and confidence around expectations for professionals and making this an explicit part of how AI in healthcare is regulated. Professional regulation and registration can provide a framework for accountability and trust in the use of AI across health and care.

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in healthcare, the regulatory framework must clearly define which AI tools qualify as medical devices under MHRA oversight. It must also ensure risks from wider uses of AI not captured by existing classifications are assessed and mitigated. Professional regulators, alongside employers, will be expected to play a significant role guiding professionals toward the safe use of AI technologies.