Order Includes Actions for AI in Healthcare

The Executive Order (EO) issued by the Biden Administration today claims it will direct the most sweeping actions ever taken to protect Americans from the potential risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems.

Among its objectives, the EO introduces specific directives targeting algorithms used in healthcare settings, primarily safeguarding patients from potential harm and prioritizing their well-being. Toward that goal, the EO champions the advancement of responsible use of AI in healthcare and the development of affordable and life-saving drugs.

Additionally, President Biden has instructed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to “establish a safety program to receive reports of—and act to remedy – harms or unsafe healthcare practices involving AI.”

Order Accelerates AI Requirements

Here’s a quick look at 7 other actions included in the EO:

• Require developers of the most powerful AI systems to share their safety test results and other critical information with the U.S. government.
• Develop standards, tools, and tests to help ensure that AI systems are safe, secure, and trustworthy.
• Establish an advanced cybersecurity program to develop AI tools to find and fix vulnerabilities in critical software.
• Protect Americans’ privacy by prioritizing federal support for accelerating the development and use of privacy-preserving techniques.
• Protect Americans from AI-enabled fraud and deception by establishing standards and best practices for detecting AI-generated content and authenticating official content.
• Help agencies acquire specified AI products and services faster, more cheaply, and more effectively through more rapid and efficient contracting.
• Accelerate the rapid hiring of AI professionals as part of a government-wide AI talent surge, with agencies to provide AI training for employees at all levels in relevant fields.

Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI is a Work in Progress

More than a dozen other actions are listed in the order, all of which are considered vital steps forward in the U.S.’s approach to safe, secure, and trustworthy AI. “More action will be required,” the order stated, “and the Administration will continue to work with Congress to pursue bipartisan legislation to help America lead the way in responsible innovation.”

As for PrivaPlan, we have already begun work on a set of healthcare-related AI policies and procedures and deployed our new AI HIPAA/State Privacy and Security risk assessments. To learn more, contact us at info@privaplan.com or call 877-218-7707.