NAM releases draft code for ethical AI in healthcare
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) has unveiled a draft code of conduct to guide the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.
The proposed framework outlines 10 principles and 6 commitments for AI stakeholders, including developers, providers, and patients.
The principles emphasize the need for AI systems to be accurate, safe, reliable, and ethical while promoting human values such as fairness, transparency, and accountability.
The commitments provide practical guidance for applying these principles in real-world scenarios, ensuring responsible AI integration into healthcare systems.
“The promise of AI technologies to transform health and healthcare is tremendous, but there is concern that their improper use can have harmful effects,” said academy president Victor Dzau.
“There is a pressing need for establishing principles, guidelines and safeguards for the use of AI in healthcare.”
According to NAM, the code aims to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of AI in healthcare. It emphasizes responsible behavior throughout the AI lifecycle, from development to ongoing assessment, and prioritizes ethical considerations like fairness, transparency, and accountability.
The draft code is a collaborative effort, seeking input from various stakeholders to refine the framework and foster alignment within the healthcare system for responsible AI adoption.
NAM emphasizes the importance of equitable access to AI advancements, ensuring everyone benefits from this transformative technology.
“This new framework puts us on the path to safe, effective and ethical use of AI, as its transformational potential is put to use in health and medicine,” Michael McGinnis, NAM executive officer, said.
The academy is seeking public comments on the draft until May 1 to refine it before issuing the final version.
