Just like every other sector, healthcare is also quickly embracing the unmatched potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, the very nature of healthcare makes it necessary to address ethical considerations before adopting AI. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the ethical landscape of AI in healthcare, and regulate its use. DHA’s NABIDH addresses this need with the AI in Healthcare Policy.
What is the AI in Healthcare Policy?
This policy outlines the regulatory framework and ethical guidelines surrounding the use of AI in healthcare, in the emirate of Dubai. The purpose of this policy is to ensure accountable, transparent, safe, and secure development and use of AI solutions, while also adhering to the relevant laws and regulations.
More About AI in Healthcare Policy
The main objective of the policy is to protect patient rights and public interests. Here are the key features of the policy that help regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare:
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Formulated on ethical principles
The policy enforces the principles of fairness, accountability and transparency in the use of AI. It ensures that all AI solutions used in the healthcare sector conform to laws, regulations, and human values, in order to benefit society.
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Promotes Accountability
The policy necessitates that the developers and users of AI solutions in healthcare are accountable for the outcomes. They should have in-built appeal procedures for users to challenge significant decisions.
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Mandates Transparency
Transparency is a key component of this policy. It requires AI solution developers to build traceable systems that can be controlled. It also necessitates that information about the functionalities, limitations, validation methods, algorithm types, data sets, and expected outcomes of these AI solutions are disclosed.
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Ensures Safety and Security
The policy prioritizes patient safety, by making sure that AI solutions used in healthcare are safe, secure, and completely supervised. It ensures that AI solutions for this sector are designed with utmost care to allow human override, also making sure they adhere to all relevant cybersecurity and information security standards.
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Upholds Data Privacy
Emphasizing the importance of safeguarding patient data privacy and security, the policy ensures adherence to international as well as UAE Federal and Emirate of Dubai privacy and data protection laws and standards.
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Outlines Minimum Acceptable Requirements
The policy lists out the minimum compliance requirements for AI tools with respect to cybersecurity, health IT regulations, data protection, medical liability, research ethics, auditing, and certifications.
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Assigns Responsibilities
The policy outlines the duties of AI developers, end-users, insurers, and the DHA with regard to the development, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and auditing of AI solutions:
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Responsibilities of Developers and AI Commissioners:
- Defining clear value propositions
- Listing technical specifications and potential hazards
- Outlining KPIs and expected outcomes
- Adhering to good practice guidelines
- Encouraging the development of new ethical guidelines
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Responsibilities of End-Users:
- Reporting incidents, deficiencies, and patient safety issues to DHA
- Providing guidelines on patient information confidentiality
- Ensuring education on AI usage
- Conducting regular audits
- Providing feedback
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Responsibilities of Insurers:
- Complying with relevant laws, policies, and guidelines
- Ensuring clear governance on AI usage
- Clarifying the roles and boundaries between insurers and AI solutions
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Responsibilities of DHA:
- Setting regulatory frameworks for safety, responsibility, privacy, security, transparency, and ethical implications of AI in healthcare
- Monitoring compliance through audits, inspections, and end-user reports
- Developing frameworks for monitoring and evaluation
What are the consequences of non-compliance with the AI in Healthcare Policy?
In the event of non-compliance, DHA can impose sanctions in accordance with the Complaints, Investigations, Regulatory Action, and Sanctions Policy. This will be executed by a specialized multi-disciplinary committee.
In summary, this policy serves as a framework for ethical and responsible adoption of AI technology. The policy aims to foster trust, and prioritizes patient safety and data security, ensuring that AI solutions truly benefit the healthcare sector, and the society at large.