Australia’s public consultation on AI in healthcare set to shape future policies

Australia’s Public Consultation on AI in Healthcare Set to Shape Future Policies

CANBERRA, Australia – The Department of Health and Aged Care (DHAC) has embarked on a public consultation initiative aimed at exploring the benefits and risks associated with the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in Australia’s healthcare system. This move signals a concerted effort by the Australian government to reassess and potentially reform existing healthcare regulations to accommodate growing technological advancements.

The consultation period, which began on 13 September, is set to conclude on 14 October 2023. This endeavour forms part of a broader AI regulatory review funded by a A$1.5 million allocation in this year’s federal budget. The consultation seeks input from various stakeholders to gauge a comprehensive understanding of the implications of AI use in healthcare settings.

Coordinated Regulatory Review

The DHAC’s review is not an isolated effort. It is being undertaken in collaboration with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This initiative aligns with the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA)’s recently enacted policy, effective from 1 September, which mandates a whole-of-government approach to the responsible use of AI.

Furthermore, both DISR and TGA are conducting separate public consultations focused on establishing mandatory safety measures for high-risk AI environments and therapeutic goods, respectively. Lesley-Anne Farmer, DHAC’s AI Programme Manager, noted that these concurrent reviews and other ongoing AI initiatives across the nation underscore a united approach towards AI regulation.

Balancing Benefits and Risks

During a webinar co-organised with the Australian Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (AAAiH), Farmer emphasised a balanced approach in reviewing AI’s integration into healthcare. The consultation does not solely focus on technological aspects but also considers the impact on various user groups and service delivery systems. Non-regulatory measures such as capacity building and public education are also on the table to support AI implementation.

In July, DHAC unveiled its five-year Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy, highlighting AI pilot projects as a crucial element in aged care reforms. Farmer stressed that AI regulation is a global concern, and Australia maintains ongoing dialogues with international counterparts to ensure alignment and collaborative efforts in establishing robust AI frameworks.

Scope and Stakes of the Consultation

The consultation paper outlines 19 essential questions addressing responsible AI use in health and care contexts. These questions span a wide range of subjects including clinical care, billing, insurance, digital systems, consent and privacy, health data management, and more. One key area of focus is the review of existing legislation, identified as “high priority,” which includes the Health Insurance Act 1973, Healthcare Identifiers Act 2010, and the Aged Care Act Bill 2023.

Farmer’s presentation provided insights into various AI applications in healthcare. These include companionship robots for aged care homes, AI-powered scribes for clinical documentation, clinical decision support systems, chatbots, and AI technologies in radiology and screening.

Australia has also taken steps towards international collaboration in AI ethics, partnering with Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) earlier this year. This partnership aims to address the challenges of AI deployment across different regions while testing and refining AI ethics principles.

The results of this consultation are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future regulatory landscape for AI in Australia’s healthcare sector. Through a comprehensive approach that involves feedback from the public and collaboration across governmental and international platforms, the Australian government aims to strike a balance between harnessing AI’s potential and mitigating its risks in healthcare settings.

Source: Noah Wire Services