Technical Document 5

12 June 2024

In the digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly significant role in various sectors, and healthcare is no exception. However, the integration of AI in this sector cannot be neglected or left to chance due to the extremely sensitive nature of health data and the decisions made from it. Health data is more than just numbers; it represents human stories, personal contexts, and states of vulnerability that deserve exceptional protection. Critical decisions made in this area, often life-or-death, require a high level of attention and care. AI's potential to transform the healthcare sector is immense, but without the right safeguards, the risks can outweigh the benefits. As we adopt these advanced technologies, it is essential to consider the legal and societal implications of their implementation.

Undoubtedly, regulation plays a vital role in standardizing practices and procedures. In a field as critical as healthcare, it will be extremely important to build consistency in how AI technologies are developed, implemented, and used. Regulations help establish common standards, ensuring that all technologies meet the same quality and safety criteria while encouraging innovation and technological advancement. In addition, an adequate regulatory framework can foster responsible innovation, establishing clear guidelines that incentivize companies to develop AI technologies that are not only effective but also safe and ethical. This creates an environment where innovation can thrive without compromising patient safety and well-being. In addition, the regulatory frameworks that are developed must take into account human supervision in decision-making processes involving AI. Humans must play a central role in this paradigm to ensure the accuracy of AI-proposed diagnoses and treatments and the accuracy of AI-proposed diagnoses and treatments. Preserving the essence of medical practice as an intrinsically human act that values empathy, ethical judgment, and respect for patient autonomy.

The healthcare sector has an inherent global reach, as solutions developed in one region can be easily implemented in another. Regulation thus plays a key role in creating universal standards that promote international cooperation and facilitate the exchange of AI-based health technologies. This uniformity is especially important in a world where technological advancement rapidly removes geographical barriers, making collaboration and adoption of health innovations more accessible globally.

For these reasons, the regulation of AI in the healthcare sector is not only a necessary measure; it is an essential responsibility to ensure that this technology is integrated ethically and safely. Achieving flexible and well-conceived regulation will be crucial for AI to reach its transformative potential without compromising the fundamental ethical values of our society;

Authors:

    • Paula Eugenia Kohan
    • Adolfo Rubinstein
    • Cintia Cejas 

Download PDF | DOI: https://doi.org/10.48060/tghn.139