Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), the largest health network in New Jersey, has made headlines by becoming the first healthcare network in the United States to receive The Joint Commission’s Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare (RUAIH) Certification.

This milestone follows a collaboration announced last year between The Joint Commission and the nonprofit Coalition for Health AI (CHAI), which aims to promote the integration of best practices in AI across the healthcare sector in America.

As detailed in a press release, HMH has established a thorough framework to ensure that AI is utilized responsibly throughout its operations. With a formal governance structure dedicated to AI, HMH emphasizes strong data security and patient privacy, while implementing careful evaluation and continuous monitoring of AI tools to maintain high standards of quality, safety, and performance. Additionally, the network offers ongoing training tailored to specific roles, enhancing AI literacy among its staff and providers, allowing them to effectively communicate the benefits of these technologies in patient care.

The evaluation process by The Joint Commission focused on several essential aspects vital for the ethical deployment of AI in healthcare:

- Governance and oversight regarding the responsible integration of AI
- Measures to safeguard patient privacy and health information
- Protocols aimed at identifying, assessing, and minimizing risks and biases in AI applications
- Monitoring systems to ensure the safe and effective functioning of AI tools
- Transparency and educational efforts to inform patients about the use of AI in their treatment
- Training for staff to promote the safe and ethical application of AI technologies

Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, chief nursing executive and executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations at The Joint Commission, emphasized the importance of stringent governance in AI usage. He expressed commendation for HMH’s commitment to a responsible approach to AI implementation while fostering innovation in patient care.

Hackensack Meridian Health is the first health system to receive the Joint Commission’s Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare certification.

A bright hospital lobby flooded with warm natural sunlight, the Hackensack Meridian Health logo large on the wall behind a reception desk. A doctor in scrubs and a Joint Commission official stand center‐frame, clasping hands as they jointly hold a framed certificate titled “Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare” with the Joint Commission seal, medical charts subtly visible on a side table.

Hackensack Meridian Health Becomes First Health System to Earn Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare Certification from Joint Commission - HCI Innovation Group

- Hackensack Meridian Health is the first U.S. healthcare network to earn RUAIH Certification.  
- HMH established a framework for responsible AI use with data security and monitoring.  
- The Joint Commission praised HMH for strong governance and focus on patient safety.  

Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), New Jersey’s largest comprehensive health network, recently announced it has become the first healthcare network in the nation to earn The Joint Commission’s Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare (RUAIH) Certification.

Last year, The Joint Commission and the nonprofit Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) announced their partnership to accelerate the development and adoption of AI best practices and guidance across the U.S. healthcare system.

According to a press release, HMH has built a comprehensive framework to ensure responsible AI use across the network. Guided by a formal AI governance structure, HMH combines robust data security and privacy protections with rigorous evaluation and ongoing monitoring of AI tools to ensure quality, safety, and performance. The network provides ongoing, role-specific AI training and general AI literacy to staff and providers, ensuring they can confidently explain how these tools support patient care.

The Joint Commission evaluated HMH across core domains that form the foundation for the responsible use of AI in healthcare:

Governance and oversight for the responsible use of AI

Safeguards to protect patient privacy and healthcare data

Processes to identify, assess and reduce risks and bias in AI tools

Monitoring processes to help ensure AI tools perform safely and effectively

Transparency and education to help patients understand how AI may be used in their care

Staff training to support the safe, responsible use of AI technologies

"Organizations must ensure the use of AI is guided by strong governance, rigorous oversight, and an unwavering focus on patient safety,” Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, chief nursing executive and executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations with Joint Commission, said in a statement. “Joint Commission commends HMH for demonstrating a responsible approach to AI adoption while advancing innovation in patient care."

Hackensack Meridian Health Becomes First Health System to Earn Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare Certification from Joint Commission

We've all experienced the frustration of getting a blood draw when the clinician struggles to locate our veins. Perhaps you forgot to hydrate, leaving you facing multiple needle pricks. Now, imagine if an artificial intelligence system could pinpoint the ideal spot for the needle insertion. Would you be open to relying on AI for your medical procedures? That could become a reality sooner than you think.

A team at SRI International in Princeton is working on a groundbreaking AI system designed to assist healthcare professionals during clinical tasks like blood draws, splinting, and intubation—without the need for specialized training. This research lab, known for innovations like the computer mouse and Siri, is collaborating with Mayo Clinic and the University of Florida on this technology.

The system employs smart glasses, an overhead camera, and a tablet interface to monitor every step of a procedure, verify actions, highlight mistakes, and provide instructions on the next steps.

Jason Tyan, principal investigator and program director at SRI’s Center for Vision Technologies, explains, "Currently, healthcare workers are only trained in specific procedures. They lack the ability to bridge different areas of expertise. We envision using AI to support them in various tasks."

This initiative coincides with the growing presence of AI across multiple sectors, including healthcare, while concerns regarding safety, accuracy, and transparency continue to rise.

At the demonstration, smart glasses equipped with computer vision displayed digital overlays directly onto patients in real time, providing guidance to the clinician. During the event, Tyan inquired, "Amira, how do I perform a blood draw?" The AI promptly responded with a step-by-step guide.

Although Tyan and the AI system were conversing openly for the demo, he indicated that in real medical contexts, clinicians would likely access the information discreetly through a chatbot feature or listen via the smart glasses' speakers.

During the mock blood draw, the smart glasses highlighted the exact location on a researcher’s arm with a bright pink circle, indicating where Tyan should aim.

"This innovation could have a significant positive impact on society and enhance our healthcare system," Tyan remarked.

The AI software is part of the larger Platform Accelerating Rural Access to Distributed and Integrated Medical Care (PARADIGM) program, which aims to deploy mobile medical units offering advanced services—from cancer screenings to prenatal care—in underserved areas throughout the United States.

Millions of Americans live in "healthcare deserts" where access to emergency or trauma care is severely limited. Even within New Jersey, known for its excellent healthcare system, some communities struggle to obtain necessary medical attention.

SRI recently received up to $26.5 million in funding from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, a federal entity within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to further develop this AI system over a five-year timeline. While the technology currently assists with tasks like blood draws and intubation, researchers aim to expand its capabilities to cover 18 different medical procedures by the project's end.

AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in various aspects of our lives, from smartphones to smart home devices; however, its role in healthcare remains contentious. Some see it as a game-changer, streamlining tasks and alleviating cognitive load, while others express concerns over job displacement, diminished critical thinking, and security vulnerabilities.

Dr. Antonina Mitrofanova, deputy director at the Rutgers Center for Biomedical Informatics and Health Artificial Intelligence, asserts that AI is a powerful tool that can process data faster than any human could, but stresses the need for strategic implementation.

Currently, AI in healthcare operates within a complex framework of federal and state regulations, with recent shifts toward a more lenient regulatory approach. Studies, including one from MIT, indicate that while AI enhances accuracy for experienced practitioners, non-experts may sometimes follow AI advice without sufficient skepticism.

"It's crucial to focus on educating the next generation about the potentials and pitfalls of AI," Mitrofanova argues, emphasizing that the technology should complement, not replace, the human touch in healthcare.

"Healthcare must remain a fundamentally human experience. AI can greatly assist, but there must always be a knowledgeable professional overseeing the process," she concluded.

"New AI medical technology is changing healthcare; are we prepared?"

A bright, sunlit clinic room: a doctor in blue scrubs and gloves stands at a stainless tray holding a syringe and a tablet. On the tablet screen, Siri’s waveform and clear step-by-step blood-draw illustrations, with a large Apple logo displayed on the wall behind, natural morning light flooding in to highlight the fusion of AI and healthcare.

‘Hey, Siri. How do I draw blood?’ New AI medical tech is transforming healthcare. Are we ready? - NJ.com

- SRI International is developing AI-guided systems for various clinical procedures, including blood draws.  
- The technology uses smart glasses and real-time feedback to assist healthcare workers during procedures.  
- The project aims to improve medical service access in U.S. healthcare deserts, funded by $26.5 million.

We’ve all been there — you’re getting blood drawn, but the clinician can’t find your veins. Maybe you didn’t drink enough water and now you’ve got to grit your teeth through multiple needle sticks.

Imagine if there was an artificial intelligence system that could tell the clinician exactly where to insert the needle for a successful blood draw. Would you trust AI with your medical care? You may have to answer that question sooner than you thought.

Researchers at SRI International’s Princeton facility are developing an AI-driven system that can guide healthcare workers through clinical procedures, including blood draws, splinting and intubation, without involving specialists. The research institute, which helped create the computer mouse, Siri and the internet, is developing the technology in partnership with the Mayo Clinic and the University of Florida.

The system uses smart glasses, an overhead camera and a tablet-based interface to track each step of the procedure, confirm correct actions, flag errors and tell the user what to do next.

“Right now, currently the healthcare worker, they’ve only been trained or specialized in certain procedures,” said Jason Tyan, principal investigator and program director at SRI’s Center for Vision Technologies. “There’s no way for them to cross to the different kinds of expertise. We hope we can use AI to help them perform all different kinds of procedures.”

The project comes at a time when the use of AI is expanding in nearly every industry and every aspect of life, including healthcare. At the same time, concerns about AI continue to mount over safety, accuracy and transparency.

SRI researchers are using smart glasses equipped with computer vision to superimpose digital graphics and text directly onto patients in real time and guide clinicians. Ian Peters | For NJ.com

‘Next, insert needle.’

Designed to mirror in-person training with a specialist, SRI’s AI-driven system provides what Tyan calls “reactive guidance,” allowing a healthcare worker to ask questions during the procedure and receive feedback in real time.

“Amira, how do I perform a blood draw?” Tyan asked the system during a July demonstration for NJ.com.

Within seconds, a synthesized voice began reciting the steps for a blood draw:

“I believe you might be asking about the procedure for a blood draw. To begin the process correctly, please follow these steps: Apply tourniquet. Place the tourniquet four to five finger widths from the intended puncture site...”

For this demonstration, Tyan and “Amira” were conversing aloud. But in a real medical situation, Tyan said a clinician would be more discreet and read the instructions on the system’s chatbot feature or have them fed into the smart glasses’ open-ear speakers.

Additionally, the system is equipped with computer vision which can superimpose digital graphics and text directly onto patients in real time, acting like a guide for clinicians.

When Tyan picked up his needle for the puncture and collection process, the smart glasses superimposed a bright pink circle onto fellow researcher Abhinav Rajvanshi’s arm, showing precisely where to aim.

SRI's technology provides real-time feedback during clinical procedures, allowing workers to perform tasks beyond their specialized training. Ian Peters | For NJ.com

An overhead camera helps guide Jason Tyan, program director at SRI International’s Center for Visual Technologies, during his mock blood draw. Ian Peters | For NJ.com

“I think our technology could really benefit society, it could really help our healthcare system,” said Tyan.

The AI-guidance software is just one part of the Platform Accelerating Rural Access to Distributed and Integrated Medical Care, or the PARADIGM program. The PARADIGM program aims to create a fleet of mobile medical units capable of delivering advanced medical services, from cancer screenings to CT scans to prenatal services, to remote locations across the United States.

Currently, millions of people in the U.S. live in areas with limited access to emergency or trauma care, also known as “healthcare deserts.” Even in New Jersey, which has some of the best healthcare in the country, there are still areas where people struggle to access care.

SRI was awarded up to $26.5 million in February 2025 by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to develop the AI-powered system.

The project is anticipated to be completed over five years. So far, the system can only guide through blood draws, blood analysis, endotracheal intubation and splinting. But by the end of year five, researchers hope to incorporate 18 different medical tasks.

The AI-powered system is part of a five-year project to bring advanced medical services to healthcare deserts across the U.S. Ian Peters | For NJ.com

The expanding use of AI in healthcare

AI is ubiquitous today. It’s in our phones, our computers, our smartwatches, our home devices and more. Despite this, its use is still fiercely controversial. It seems, depending on who you ask, AI is either a blessing or a curse. Advocates say it saves time and frees up mental energy for other tasks, while critics argue AI threatens jobs, erodes critical thinking and compromises security.

The truth is somewhere “in the middle,” said Dr. Antonina Mitrofanova, deputy director for the Rutgers Center for Biomedical Informatics and Health Artificial Intelligence.

“It is an extremely powerful tool. It can analyze things that could take us years in five minutes. And yet, we need to be very strategic about it,” Mitrofanova said.

Currently, the use of AI in healthcare is regulated by a patchwork of federal and state laws. The Trump administration has taken a more hands-off approach, removing Biden-era regulations on AI that it claimed impeded innovation and growth.

Research has shown that AI helps people with prior experience the most. An MIT study published Aug. 4 in Nature Medicine, a peer reviewed medical journal, found that while AI assistance generally improved the accuracy of non-experts and clinicians in diagnosing skin diseases, non-experts tended to trust the AI-generated diagnostic advice — even when it was incorrect.

“We need to be careful and pay extra attention to training a new generation of scientists,” Mitrofanova said, adding that the Center for Biomedical Informatics is currently applying for grants to teach students, post-doctorates and staff the advantages and dangers of AI.

Ultimately, she said AI should be seen as a tool, not a replacement, for healthcare workers.

“We cannot dehumanize healthcare. We can utilize — AI is extremely powerful, it can help a lot. But we need to make sure there is a smart human in the loop,” Mitrofanova said.

‘Hey, Siri. How do I draw blood?’ New AI medical tech is transforming healthcare. Are we ready?

Consumer AI is gradually transforming the landscape for one of healthcare's most crucial participants: the patient. What once seemed like a distant vision of more knowledgeable and engaged patients is now becoming commonplace. Individuals are increasingly turning to AI tools to gain insights into symptoms, evaluate treatment options, decode complex medical jargon, and navigate the intricacies of insurance—all before they even engage with health providers or insurers.

This shift necessitates a new operational paradigm for healthcare organizations, which are now grappling with patients whose expectations surpass what current systems are equipped to deliver.

According to OpenAI, over 5% of ChatGPT communications worldwide pertain to healthcare, with U.S. users sending between 1.6 to 1.9 million weekly messages focused on health insurance topics such as plan comparisons, claims management, pricing, eligibility, billing, and cost-sharing. Patients are not merely inquiring about potential symptom meanings; they are actively seeking guidance on how to manage the business aspects of healthcare.

Understanding the Evolving Patient Demographic

To grasp the implications of this transformation, I spoke with Ganesh Padmanabhan, CEO and co-founder of Autonomize AI.

“The real disruption lies not in the emergence of AI-informed patients, but rather in the insights these patients bring to light about the healthcare operating model,” Padmanabhan noted. “The pace of patient intelligence is outstripping that of system intelligence.”

This perspective highlights that the challenge isn't merely that patients are adopting consumer AI; rather, it's that healthcare frameworks are insufficiently prepared to handle the complexity and expectations that accompany more knowledgeable patients. Another issue is time allocation. Currently, a significant portion of clinical interactions is consumed by administrative duties, allowing precious little time for direct patient engagement. This is an area where AI can change the dynamics.

Human Interaction Remains Essential

A recent survey from Prosper Insights & Analytics revealed that 84% of U.S. adults prefer speaking with a live representative rather than an AI chatbot when dealing with healthcare issues, while only 16% opt for AI assistance. Interestingly, younger generations are more amenable to AI, with 23.7% of Millennials and 23.1% of Gen Z choosing AI chat for healthcare queries, compared to a mere 5.2% of Boomers.

When presented with a definition, only 17.6% of respondents considered autonomous AI a favorable concept. Meanwhile, 40.6% remained uncertain, and 41.8% outright disagreed.

Furthermore, the Prosper data indicates that 40.4% of adults believe AI requires human supervision, 40.3% express concern about the potential for incorrect information from AI, and 32.5% desire greater transparency regarding the data AI utilizes.

Privacy concerns loom large as well, with 60% of respondents indicating they are either extremely or very worried about AI's handling of their personal data.

Trust and Information Quality Are Key

A 2025 study published in Digital Health emphasizes that trust in AI-generated health information significantly influences users’ willingness to utilize that information, with quality emerging as the foremost factor for establishing trust. In the healthcare sector, this finding serves as both a caution and a guide. As AI-generated data shapes patient actions, the emphasis must be on the quality, transparency, and contextual relevance of that information.

The Role of Operational AI

This scenario underscores the importance of operational AI, which is designed around various fields of expertise. Healthcare workflows encompass a wide array of knowledge, including clinical protocols, payer guidelines, patient histories, pharmaceutical information, documentation standards, coding, benefits, and care management. Currently, these components often reside in different systems and departments. A multi-agent approach could facilitate the integration of these elements, enabling healthcare providers to focus on delivering care without the need to manually reconstruct context.

Ideally, when a physician engages with a patient, relevant histories, policy contexts, documentation needs, and necessary administrative steps should already be available. If authorization is required, that should commence alongside other processes. If a care gap is detected, it should be flagged. In cases where a patient's questions stem from incomplete or erroneous AI interpretations, clinicians should quickly have the context needed to clarify.

Padmanabhan emphasizes, “AI should not create additional layers between healthcare professionals and patients. The most effective operational AI is often invisible: a sophisticated system that organizes critical information, initiates appropriate processes, and removes operational barriers before they disrupt patient care.”

As patients increasingly utilize AI to manage their health, the role of human clinicians becomes ever more vital. Their value lies not in hunting for information across disparate systems, but in providing insight, judgment, trust, and meaningful dialogue.

The AI-Enhanced Patient is Here to Stay

For healthcare executives, the emergence of consumer AI is not a distant prospect; it is a current reality. Patients are actively employing these technologies to investigate symptoms, explore treatment options, and address coverage queries, arriving with heightened expectations before consultations with healthcare providers.

While many healthcare providers are enhancing their digital interfaces and self-service functionalities, a more significant challenge persists internally: ensuring that clinical, administrative, and operational teams are equipped to handle a more informed consumer without adding friction or risking burnout among caregiving personnel.

The AI-empowered patient is already part of the healthcare landscape. It’s time for healthcare systems to adapt and meet these patients on their terms. 

Note: The consumer sentiment study referenced earlier was conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, utilizing the same dataset leveraged by the National Retail Federation and accessible through Amazon Web Services, Bloomberg, and the London Stock Exchange Group for economic benchmarking.

Rethinking Healthcare in the Era of AI-Enhanced Patients

A bright, sunlit modern clinic room where a poised adult patient sits at a natural wood desk, holding a sleek transparent tablet that displays personalized health analytics as soft, floating data graphs gently swirl above it. A caring doctor watches with a warm smile, potted greenery and textured walls filled with sunlight lending a sense of wellness and innovation—capturing the era of the AI-empowered patient.

Reimagining Healthcare In The Age Of An AI-Empowered Patient - Forbes

- Patients increasingly use AI to understand health symptoms and navigate insurance complexities.  
- 84% of US adults prefer live assistance over AI chat for healthcare matters.  
- Operational AI is essential for supporting informed patients without adding friction to care.  

AI in Healthcare Getty Images - Vithun Khamsong

Consumer AI is not-so-quietly reshaping one of healthcare’s most overlooked stakeholders: the patient. What was once an aspirational vision of a more informed, engaged healthcare consumer is rapidly becoming the default. Patients now use AI to understand symptoms, compare treatments, interpret medical terminology, and navigate insurance complexity before ever interacting with a provider or payer.

This creates a new operational reality where healthcare organizations are increasingly serving consumers whose expectations now exceed the systems built to support them.

OpenAI reported in January that more than 5% of all ChatGPT messages globally are about healthcare, with 1.6 million to 1.9 million U.S. messages each week focused on health insurance topics such as comparing plans, handling claims, understanding prices, eligibility, billing, and cost sharing. Patients are not only asking “what could this symptom mean?” They are asking how to navigate the business of healthcare.

The patient is changing

To better understand what this means, I spoke with Ganesh Padmanabhan, CEO and co-founder of Autonomize AI.

“The AI-informed patient is not the disruption,” Padmanabhan told me. “The disruption is what that patient reveals about healthcare’s operating model. Patient intelligence is accelerating faster than system intelligence.”

That is the right frame. The problem is not that patients are using consumer AI; it is that healthcare operations are not yet designed to absorb the questions, expectations, and complexity that more-informed patients bring to the system. It's also about time. The current model allocates most of the clinical visits to administrative work and only a fraction to the patient. This is exactly where AI can flip that model.

Still a need for human healthcare

According to a recent survey from my company, Prosper Insights & Analytics, 84% of US adults still prefer a live person to an AI chatbot when they need help with healthcare matters. Only 16% prefer AI chat in that context. Younger consumers are more open to AI, with 23.7% of Millennials and 23.1% of Gen-Z preferring AI chat for healthcare assistance, compared with only 5.2% of Boomers.

Prosper - Prefer A Live Person or an AI Chat Program for Healthcare Matters Prosper Insights & Analytics

After respondents were given a definition, only 17.6% said they thought agentic AI was a good idea, while 40.6% were unsure, and 41.8% said no.

Prosper - Agentic AI A Good Idea Prosper Insights & Analytics

The Prosper data shows that 40.4% of adults say AI needs human oversight, 40.3% worry that AI can provide wrong information, and 32.5% want more disclosure and transparency about the data AI uses.

Prosper - Concerns About Recent Developments in AI Prosper Insights & Analytics

Privacy is another major concern, with 60% saying they are extremely or very concerned about AI using their data and violating privacy.

Prosper - Concern About Privacy From AI Prosper Insights & Analytics

A 2025 study published in Digital Health found that trust in ChatGPT-generated health information is strongly related to users’ intention to adopt that information, with information quality emerging as the most influential factor shaping trust. In healthcare, that finding should be read as a warning and an instruction. If AI-generated information is going to shape patient behavior, the quality, transparency, and context of that information matter.

Operational AI needs to sit behind-the-scenes

This is where operational AI built around multiple forms of expertise becomes important. Healthcare workflows involve many kinds of know-how: clinical guidelines, payer rules, patient history, drug information, documentation requirements, coding, benefits, and care management. Today, those elements often sit in different systems and departments. A multi-agent approach can help assemble those pieces around the work being done, rather than forcing clinicians and staff to rebuild context manually.

In an ideal scenario, the physician should not have to start from scratch. The relevant history, policy context, documentation requirements, and next-best administrative steps should already be organized. If authorization preparation is needed, that work should begin in parallel. If a care gap is visible, it should be surfaced. If a patient’s question reflects incomplete or misleading consumer AI output, the clinician should have enough context to correct it quickly.

Padmanabhan is clear on this: “AI should not add another layer between clinicians and patients. The highest form of operational AI is invisible: living intelligence that organizes the right information, initiates the right processes, and clears operational friction before it interrupts care.”

The more patients who use AI to understand their health, the more important human clinicians become. But their value is not in chasing information across disconnected systems. It is in interpretation, judgment, trust, and conversation.

MORE FOR YOU

The AI-informed patient is not going anywhere

For healthcare leaders, consumer AI is not in some distant future version of their business. Patients are already using it to research symptoms, understand treatments, navigate coverage questions, and arrive with more sophisticated expectations before speaking with a clinician.

Many healthcare organizations are responding with better digital experiences and self-service tools. But the bigger challenge sits deeper inside the system: ensuring clinical, administrative, and operational teams can support a far more informed consumer without adding friction or burnout to the people delivering care.

The AI-empowered patient is already here. It is time for healthcare systems to meet them where they are.

Disclosure: The consumer sentiment study referenced above was conducted by my company, Prosper Insights & Analytics. This is the same dataset used by the National Retail Federation, and available from Amazon Web Services, Bloomberg, and the London Stock Exchange Group for economic benchmarking.

Reimagining Healthcare In The Age Of An AI-Empowered Patient

Hackensack Meridian Health has made history as the first healthcare network in the United States to receive the Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare Certification from the Joint Commission. This prestigious recognition highlights the organization's commitment to the ethical and responsible implementation of artificial intelligence within its operations and patient care practices.

The Joint Commission, a respected independent nonprofit, is dedicated to accrediting and certifying hospitals and other healthcare entities across the nation. The Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare (RUAIH) Certification is a voluntary initiative aimed at promoting the responsible integration of AI technologies in medical settings.

Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, emphasized the organization’s dedication to safely advancing patient care through AI. “We strive to integrate AI thoughtfully across our health network to enhance our care delivery systems,” Garrett expressed. He noted that AI stands to revolutionize how diseases are detected, tailor treatments for individual patients, streamline hospital operations, and lessen administrative tasks that can lead to clinician burnout. Ultimately, this technology allows healthcare providers to focus more on patient interaction.

As the largest health network in New Jersey, Hackensack Meridian Health operates 18 hospitals and over 500 care locations throughout the state. In a statement released on July 29, the organization detailed its comprehensive strategy to responsibly deploy AI technologies network-wide.

Employing a structured governance model, Hackensack Meridian Health has established robust data security measures, privacy protocols, and continuous monitoring of AI tools to guarantee efficiency, safety, and quality care. Moreover, tailored AI training programs and general educational resources are provided for staff and healthcare providers to empower them in communicating how AI enhances patient care.

Joel Klein, M.D., the executive vice president and chief digital and information officer at Hackensack Meridian Health, remarked, “The goal of artificial intelligence is not to substitute human care but to augment it.” He highlighted how the organization is harnessing AI to free up healthcare professionals to dedicate more time to their patients.

The Joint Commission assessed Hackensack Meridian Health across key areas essential for the responsible application of AI in healthcare, including:

- Governance and oversight for ethical AI utilization
- Protections for patient privacy and healthcare data
- Mechanisms for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks and biases associated with AI
- Procedures to ensure the safe and effective performance of AI applications
- Transparent communication with patients about AI’s role in their care
- Staff training focused on the responsible use of AI technologies

Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, chief nursing executive and executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations at the Joint Commission, stated, "AI is rapidly revolutionizing healthcare, enhancing clinical decision-making, operational efficiency, and patient care while alleviating administrative burdens." He reiterated the importance of strong governance and oversight to maintain patient safety and commended Hackensack Meridian Health for its responsible approach to AI adoption and innovation in patient care.

For more insights into how Hackensack Meridian Health is leveraging AI to enhance patient services, further information can be found on their website.

Hackensack Meridian Health Becomes the First to Receive Joint Commission AI Certification

A sunlit hospital conference room with warm morning light streaming through large windows. On the wall, a gleaming plaque reads “Joint Commission AI Certification.” An adult physician in a crisp white coat stands before it, holding a framed certificate and gazing at it with quiet pride. Behind her, the Hackensack Meridian Health logo is prominently displayed on a glass panel, and subtle embossed circuit patterns on the plaque hint at advanced AI integration in patient care.

Hackensack Meridian Health First to Earn Joint Commission AI Certification - New Jersey Business & Industry Association

- Hackensack Meridian Health first U.S. health network to earn AI certification for responsible use.  
- The Joint Commission's certification ensures ethics and governance in AI healthcare applications.  
- HMH's framework includes training, privacy safeguards, and monitoring for quality and safety.  

Hackensack Meridian Health is the first U.S. health network to earn the Joint Commission’s Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare Certification for having the governance, safeguards, monitoring and education in place to use artificial intelligence responsibly.

The Joint Commission is an independent, nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies hospitals and other health care organizations in the United States. RUAIH Certification is a voluntary certification program focused on the responsible and ethical adoption of artificial intelligence across clinical patient care and operations.

“At Hackensack Meridian Health, we are committed to integrating AI responsibly and safely across our health network to advance the way we deliver care,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health.

“AI has the potential to help clinicians detect diseases earlier, personalize treatment for every patient, improve the efficiency of our hospitals, and reduce administrative work that contributes to burnout,” Garrett said. “Most importantly, it enables physicians, nurses and team members to spend more time caring for patients.”

HMH, New Jersey’s largest health network operating 18 hospitals and more than 500 patient care locations statewide, has built a comprehensive framework to ensure the responsible use of AI across its network, the company said in a July 29 statement about the RUAIH certification.

Guided by a formal AI governance structure, HMH combines data security and privacy protections with rigorous evaluation and ongoing monitoring of AI tools to ensure quality, safety, and performance. It also provides role-specific AI training as well as general AI literacy to staff and providers to ensure they can confidently explain how AI tools support patient care.

“The promise of artificial intelligence is not to replace the human side of medicine, but to strengthen it,” said Joel Klein, M.D., executive vice president, chief digital and information officer, Hackensack Meridian Health. “We’re leveraging this technology to give our providers time to focus on what matters most – the patients they serve.”

The Joint Commission evaluated HMH across core domains that establish the foundation for the responsible use of AI in healthcare:

Governance and oversight for the responsible use of AI

Safeguards to protect patient privacy and healthcare data

Processes to identify, assess and reduce risks and bias in AI tools

Monitoring processes to help ensure AI tools perform safely and effectively

Transparency and education to help patients understand how AI may be used in their care

Staff training to support the safe, responsible use of AI technologies

"AI continues to rapidly transform the healthcare industry, helping healthcare organizations improve clinical decision-making, enhance operational efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and support patient care," said Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, chief nursing executive and executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations, Joint Commission.

"Organizations must ensure the use of AI is guided by strong governance, rigorous oversight, and an unwavering focus on patient safety,” Grubbs said. “Joint Commission commends HMH for demonstrating a responsible approach to AI adoption while advancing innovation in patient care."

For more information on how HMH is using AI to advance patient care, go here.

Hackensack Meridian Health First to Earn Joint Commission AI Certification

COLUMBUS, Ga. – August is National Wellness Month, and key findings from the fourth annual Wellness Matters survey released by Aflac Inc. reveal younger generations – 76% of Gen Z and 63% of millennials – are turning first to artificial intelligence for health support in lieu of seeking professional medical care.

A wellness paradox is emerging as Americans – particularly younger generations – feel more confident and in control of their health than ever before, yet they have never been less likely to see a doctor.

According to the survey, 18% of Gen Z and 14% of millennials admit that they will schedule a doctor’s appointment only after exhausting AI or online tools for answers to health questions or when health concerns escalate, compared with 3% of Gen X and 2% of baby boomers.

On-demand access to social media, health influencers and online search is helping Gen Z and millennials feel more informed and confident on health matters, but they are equally passive when it comes to making preventive care appointments.

The feeling of being healthy, logistics and frustration associated with doctor’s appointments are the biggest barriers to proactive healthcare for young Americans. Gen Z (42%) and millennials (47%) worry frequently or always about increasing healthcare costs, in line with 50% of Americans overall.

According to the survey:

Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z (65%) and millennials (61%) admit to delaying or skipping routine checkups and screenings, significantly higher than Gen X (47%) and baby boomers (33%).

35% of Gen Z and 29% of millennials don’t get checkups or screenings on time because they feel healthy, compared with 1 in 4 (24%) Americans overall.

Among Gen Z, 2 in 5 (41%) canceled or decided not to schedule an appointment because the wait time was too long, compared with 34% overall.

51% of Gen Z and 48% of millennials say the biggest hurdle to preventive care appointments is logistics, driven by scheduling difficulties, the time it takes for the appointment and challenges taking off work, compared with 43% overall.

Gen Z and millennials trust influencers and social media at much higher rates than other generations (23% of Gen Z and 17% of millennials say they trust influencers for health information, compared with 4% of Gen X and 1% of baby boomers; 28% of Gen Z and 20% of millennials trust social media, compared with 6% of Gen X and 4% of baby boomers).

45% of Gen Z and 54% of millennials are consulting online search, medical websites (38%, 40%) and social media (32%, 34%) to manage their health at much higher rates than they consult doctors, nurses or other health professionals (22%, 31%).

“Young Americans are replacing in-person preventive care with the convenience and speed of digital health support,” said Matthew Owenby, Aflac chief human resources officer and chief administrative officer. “The use of AI and other digital-first healthcare resources isn’t inherently negative, as it ultimately depends on how the information is used. What is alarming is the rate that Gen Z is delaying or forgoing preventive care, greatly lessening the opportunity for early detection or a critical health diagnosis from a medical professional.”

While often bypassing traditional care, Gen Z and millennials are spending more on self-care than any other generation. Gen Z (43%) and millennials (39%) are far more likely to spend at least $100 per month across categories than Gen X (10%) and baby boomers (6%). Categories include vitamins and supplements, organic foods, salon services, mental health therapy, wellness retreats and more.

They are much less likely to have a primary doctor (48% of Gen Z and 58% of millennials, compared with 79% of Gen X and 87% of baby boomers) but more likely to have a mental health therapist (25% of Gen Z and 29% of millennials, compared with 17% of Gen X and 7% of baby boomers).

Survey: Gen Z, Millennials Turn to AI for Healthcare

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Survey: Gen Z, Millennials Turn to AI for Healthcare - Business Journal Daily

New conversational platform is natively built around AI from the ground up and wired directly into the company's proprietary health data foundation

NEW YORK, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PulsePoint, the leading technology company transforming health marketing, today announced the launch of Hatch, its next-generation platform that brings AI to every stage of healthcare marketing. With Hatch, marketers, planners, and traders can ask questions, size audiences, monitor delivery, and act on live campaign data, all through natural conversation.

Hatch represents the largest evolution of PulsePoint's platform since the launch of its health-focused DSP. PulsePoint built Hatch around AI from the ground up, designed around a simple idea: when conversational AI sits at the center of a platform rather than isolated to existing workflows, an entirely new way of working becomes possible. Users can talk to Hatch the way they'd talk to a colleague, describing what they need in plain language. Hatch interprets that intent and configures itself accordingly, so the same conversational interface can handle all tasks within a single, continuous workflow. Over time, Hatch learns how each user prefers to work and what matters most to them, and adapts to fit.

Hatch unifies PulsePoint's research and planning, audience intelligence, and measurement with programmatic activation into a single workspace that is connected to the proprietary health data foundation that powers PulsePoint's HCP and DTC solutions today. Unlike most AI platforms, Hatch is transparent about what data it is using and where it comes from, providing users with direct links to the underlying sources.

With Hatch, users can, for example:

Surface answers to open-ended research questions, like which specialties are showing the sharpest shift toward a new treatment class, grounded directly in the underlying data, no separate analytics workflow required

Ask questions in plain English across delivery, pacing, budgets, and performance to get answers from live campaign data in seconds

See exactly which healthcare providers a campaign reached, including specialty, list membership, and NPI-level engagement across channels

Monitor what's moving campaign outcomes, from bid funnel and win rates to creative performance and flight schedules

"Most of what our industry is calling AI right now is a chat window stapled onto software people were already frustrated with," said Ezra Suveyke, Chief Product Officer at PulsePoint. "We wanted to build for what's possible now that AI can actually reason over a live data foundation. So we started from scratch and rethought the platform entirely for how people want to work now and in the future. We call it Hatch because that's what it does: it takes whatever idea or workflow you're hatching and runs with it. And it answers in seconds what used to take an analyst a week, because it's not just retrieving information, it's reasoning over a live data foundation."

Hatch is being piloted with PulsePoint's product and account teams, where it has already earned its place. "Hatch takes our vision of one unified platform for media, data, and measurement to the next level, helping teams work faster, with less friction and more confidence," said Andrew Stark, Chief Commercial Officer at PulsePoint. "Our next phase is to bring Hatch to a select group of alpha users. The market appetite is real; clients are chomping at the bit for this."

Hatch was unveiled today on the mainstage at HealthNEXT, PulsePoint's annual client and innovation summit in New York City.

About PulsePoint

PulsePoint, a division of Internet Brands, is an award-winning technology company that uses real-world data in real-time to optimize campaign performance and revolutionize health decision-making. Leveraging proprietary datasets and methodology, PulsePoint targets healthcare professionals and consumer populations with an unprecedented level of accuracy to deliver unparalleled results to the clients we serve. For more information, visit pulsepoint.com.

SOURCE PulsePoint

PulsePoint Launches Hatch, the First Agentic AI Platform Built for Healthcare Marketing

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PulsePoint Launches Hatch, the First Agentic AI Platform Built for Healthcare Marketing - PR Newswire

Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), a prominent health system in New Jersey, has made history by becoming the first organization to receive the Joint Commission's certification for the responsible application of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. This certification, introduced by the Joint Commission in June, aims to recognize healthcare organizations across the United States that demonstrate proper governance, resources, policies, and educational programs focused on the safe and effective use of AI technologies.

Dr. Lauren Koniaris, the chief medical informatics officer at HMH, explained that the organization has been diligently refining its AI systems for several years. “As we expand our clinical AI initiatives, we prioritize robust governance to ensure that patient quality and safety remain paramount,” she stated.

The certification process assessed HMH's AI governance and oversight systems, which proved their effectiveness when the organization applied for the Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare certification.

This voluntary certification fulfills a commitment made by the Joint Commission in 2025 when it formed a strategic partnership with the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) to develop guidelines for healthcare systems to effectively implement AI technologies while prioritizing patient safety.

A March survey from the American Medical Association revealed that over 80% of physicians are using AI in their professional practices, a figure that has significantly increased since 2023. Conversely, only 27% of clinicians reported understanding how their organizations are managing AI governance, according to a report by Wolters Kluwer.

Amidst the rapid pace of AI adoption, private consortiums are actively working to establish industry standards, particularly as federal regulation has yet to catch up. In May, CHAI published a series of playbooks focused on AI governance, which the Joint Commission utilized to craft the RUAIH certification.

Organizations seeking the certification incur a fee determined by their type and size, and it encompasses five key areas: governance, risk and bias mitigation, effective data management, monitoring and validating safety and efficacy, and education and training.

The certification process for HMH took a mere three weeks, but the health system had been using its internal governance framework for responsible AI for four years, according to Koniaris. HMH has launched various AI initiatives across its 18 hospitals and numerous care locations. These initiatives range from utilizing AI chatbot assistants on healthcare provider websites to testing predictive analytics technology to enhance hospice transitions and adopting models capable of identifying heart disease. HMH is committed to the ongoing development of its AI capabilities.

“We have a dedicated team assessing various options — including third-party vendor screening tools — aimed specifically at alleviating administrative pressures so that our clinicians can concentrate on patient care,” said Koniaris. 

Koniaris emphasized that all prospective AI tools are evaluated against HMH's seven governance pillars before being deployed in clinical settings. 

Brian Anderson, president and CEO of CHAI, remarked that HMH’s certification represents an “exciting milestone” and signifies an important advancement toward integrating responsible AI governance into healthcare practices. He mentioned that many of CHAI’s member health systems are preparing to pursue similar certifications as this initiative gains traction.

Hackensack Meridian Health becomes the first to receive the Joint Commission's certification for responsible health AI.

A sunlit, modern hospital lobby with warm morning light flooding through glass walls. A senior physician in crisp scrubs stands center, proudly holding a framed certificate embossed with the Joint Commission seal. Behind them on the wall is a large Hackensack Meridian Health logo, and nearby a sleek digital display reads “Responsible Health AI Certified.”

Hackensack Meridian Health first to earn Joint Commission’s responsible health AI certification - Healthcare Dive

- Hackensack Meridian Health becomes first to earn Joint Commission's AI in healthcare certification.  
- Certification ensures organizations have governance, resources, and training for safe AI use.  
- HMH implements various AI initiatives, emphasizing patient safety through established governance pillars.

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Dive Brief:

New Jersey health system Hackensack Meridian Health has become the first organization to earn the Joint Commission’s seal of approval for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

The Joint Commission, an independent accreditation organization, launched the certification in June with the goal of endorsing U.S. healthcare organizations able to demonstrate they have the proper governance, resources, policies and training programs for the safe and effective use of AI.

HMH has been refining its AI systems for years, according to Dr. Lauren Koniaris, the organization’s chief medical informatics officer. “As we expand our clinical AI initiatives, we operate under the utmost governance to ensure patient quality and safety are always the priority,” she said

Dive Insight:

HMH, one of New Jersey’s largest health systems, put its AI governance and oversight mechanisms to the test by applying for the Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare Certification.

The voluntary certification delivers on a promise the Joint Commission made in 2025, when it launched a strategic partnership with standards organization the Coalition for Health AI to convene key stakeholders and develop guidance to help health systems implement the technology safely.

More than 80% of physicians use AI professionally, according to a March survey from the American Medical Association — a rate that has more than doubled since 2023. However, just 27% of clinicians say they know how their organizations are addressing AI governance, according to a Wolters Kluwer report.

Private consortiums have been racing to establish industry standards as AI adoption ramps up and federal regulations around the technology lag.

In May, CHAI released a series of AI governance playbooks, which the Joint Commission used to develop the RUAIH certification.

The certification, which organizations pay for based on company type and size, covers five domains: governance, risk and bias reduction, effective data management, monitoring and validating safety and effectiveness, and education and training.

For HMH, the certification process took just three weeks. But the system's internal governance framework for responsible AI has been in use for four years, according to Koniaris.

The health system has embarked on several AI initiatives across its 18 hospitals and hundreds of care sites, from installing AI chatbot assistants on provider websites to piloting predictive analytics tech aimed at improving hospice transitions to adopting models that can detect heart disease. HMH plans to continue developing its technology.

“We have a dedicated team evaluating options — including screening tools from third-party vendors — with the specific goal of reducing administrative burdens so our clinicians can focus on patient care,” Koniaris said.

Above all, every potential AI tool is weighed against HMH’s seven governance pillars before it reaches a clinical setting, the chief medical informatics officer stressed.

Brian Anderson, president and CEO of CHAI, said HMH’s certification is an “exciting milestone, which marks a meaningful step toward making responsible AI governance a standard part of healthcare delivery.”

Many of CHAI’s health system members are preparing to follow suit as the certification gains momentum, Anderson added

Hackensack Meridian Health first to earn Joint Commission’s responsible health AI certification

In continuously operating facilities, manual processes can become significant obstacles. A recent report emphasizes that the future of AI in healthcare facilities management mainly revolves around two key areas: workflow automation and predictive maintenance.

Among those already incorporating AI, 45% of healthcare facility managers utilize it to automate workflows or enhance maintenance efficiency. Looking to the future, a notable 55% of respondents intending to adopt AI in the coming year are prioritizing automation, a figure that surpasses trends seen in other sectors. About a quarter of healthcare facility managers believe that automating workflows is the most impactful way AI can enhance operations.

Predictive maintenance also plays a critical role in the sector. Nearly half of the healthcare managers using AI have already integrated it for predictive maintenance purposes, with an additional 45% planning to implement AI-driven solutions for this within the next year.

Healthcare executives rank predictive maintenance among the top applications for AI, second only to security-related uses. These insights suggest a significant shift in smart hospitals from relying on reactive maintenance approaches to embracing proactive, AI-enhanced maintenance strategies aimed at minimizing downtime, prolonging asset lifespans, and supporting sustainability initiatives.

The report highlights that investments in healthcare technology are closely linked to improving occupant experience, ensuring physical safety, and enhancing energy performance. Among organizations utilizing facility optimization solutions, 73% do so to enhance occupant comfort and wellness. Additionally, AI technology is being harnessed to bolster security, safety, and access control, with 58% of healthcare facility managers focusing on these objectives. Security is viewed as AI's most substantial long-term opportunity by healthcare leaders.

Energy management constitutes the third essential pillar. The challenges posed by rising energy expenses and constrained budgets are significant for facilities teams, with 80% of those intending to introduce optimization solutions planning to manage energy consumption more effectively. Over half of healthcare facility managers currently leverage AI for energy performance optimization, and 75% prioritizing energy management in their upcoming AI deployments.

This focus on safety, comfort, and energy efficiency illustrates how the incorporation of integrated systems and digital technologies is transforming facilities management within smart hospitals, placing sustainability and operational resilience at the forefront of future operations.

2026 AI and Digitalization in Healthcare Facility Management: The Role of Integrated Systems and Energy Intelligence in Smart Hospitals

A sunlit smart-hospital control room: a facilities manager in business attire taps a large transparent touchscreen wall displaying real-time energy consumption, HVAC efficiency, and patient-flow graphs. Through floor-to-ceiling windows, solar panels hug the rooftop and green walls climb the façade. Warm natural light fills the bright, sterile space as subtle AI interface overlays trace integrated systems, conveying cutting-edge energy intelligence in action.

Inside the AI shift reshaping healthcare facilities management - Johnson Controls

- 45% of healthcare facility managers use AI for workflow automation and maintenance optimization.  
- Predictive maintenance is prioritized, with nearly 50% of managers currently implementing AI solutions.  
- 80% of organizations plan to use AI for tracking and reducing energy consumption costs.  

Workflow automation and predictive maintenance: AI’s biggest upside

When facilities operate 24/7, manual processes quickly become a bottleneck. The report shows that for healthcare facilities management, the greatest long-term potential of AI in healthcare lies in automating workflows and enabling predictive maintenance.

Among respondents already using AI, 45% of healthcare FMs use it to automate workflows or streamline maintenance. Looking ahead, 55% of those planning to deploy AI in the next year will focus on automation – far higher than other industries. A quarter of healthcare FMs say automating workflows is the single area where AI can most improve facility operations.

Predictive maintenance is an equally strong theme. Nearly half of healthcare managers already using AI apply it to predictive maintenance, and 45% plan to implement AI-driven predictive maintenance solutions within the next year.

Healthcare leaders rank predictive maintenance among the top AI use cases, second only to security.

These responses confirm that smart hospitals are moving away from reactive fixes and toward proactive, AI-enabled maintenance strategies that reduce downtime, extend asset life and support sustainability goals.

Safety, comfort and energy: the new pillars of smart hospitals

The report underscores that healthcare technology investments are tightly aligned to occupant experience, physical safety and energy performance.

Among healthcare organizations that have deployed facilities performance and optimization solutions, 73% use them to support occupant comfort and wellness. AI in healthcare is also being used to enhance security, safety and access control – 58% of healthcare facility managers with AI deployments focus on these use cases, and healthcare leaders rank security as AI’s top long-term opportunity.

Energy intelligence is the third pillar. Rising energy costs and tight budgets are the top challenges for facilities teams, and 80% of those planning to implement optimization solutions will use them to track, control and reduce energy use. More than half of healthcare FMs already use AI to optimize energy performance, and 75% of those planning new AI deployments will prioritize energy optimization.

This combination of safety, comfort and energy efficiency shows how integrated systems and digitalization are reshaping facilities management in smart hospitals, with sustainability and operational resilience at the center.

2026 AI & Digitalization in Healthcare Facilities Management: How Smart Hospitals Use Integrated Systems and Energy Intelligence

During a visit to Danville on Monday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, emphasized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing rural healthcare. 

His itinerary in Southside included a visit to a facility dedicated to substance use disorder rehabilitation in Chatham, followed by a stop at the Virginia Tech controlled environment agriculture research center in Danville. Republican Congressman John McGuire, who represents the 5th District, guided Kennedy on his tour of the area.

At a subsequent press conference, Kennedy announced that federal investment would help broaden access to healthcare services in rural regions through telehealth solutions and AI technologies. He credited President Trump for making significant strides in revitalizing both rural economies and their healthcare infrastructure, claiming, “The Rural Health Transformation Program is the most substantial investment in rural healthcare this country has ever seen.” This federal initiative is set to allocate $50 billion over five years aimed at improving healthcare in rural communities.

The program is designed to counterbalance cuts made to Medicaid and other crucial health services by the Trump administration, especially in rural areas that heavily rely on federal support for their hospitals and clinics. However, it’s important to note that these funds cannot be utilized to substitute reimbursements from Medicaid or any other insurance plans.

Concerns surrounding this program have emerged, especially regarding potential closures of rural hospitals, gaps in maternal health services, limited dental care options, workforce shortages, and the rise of preventable diseases like hepatitis C.

Kennedy highlighted that the infusion of funds would enhance the implementation of AI by healthcare providers, a development he views as particularly vital for rural populations. “With the introduction of new AI systems, doctors can dedicate more time to patient care rather than paperwork,” he explained. “We’re promoting AI-powered nursing support available 24/7. They access your complete medical history, monitor your vital signs, and can provide guidance to prevent unnecessary emergency room visits.”

A 2026 survey conducted by the American Medical Association revealed that around 81% of physicians are currently utilizing AI for various functions, such as searching medical literature, patient triage, documentation of visits, and generating discharge instructions.

While the efficiency gains are promising, there is an ongoing concern regarding data security, patient privacy, and the evolving role of human practitioners within the healthcare landscape. 

Kennedy claimed that his department has taken the lead in promoting AI advancements more than any other government agency, jokingly noting, “with the possible exception of the CIA, but they keep their activities under wraps.”

He firmly believes that the most profound influence of AI within the healthcare sector will be in rural America. Having grown up in McLean and studied at the University of Virginia School of Law, Kennedy expressed a strong connection to Virginia, particularly its rural communities.

As the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy and son of Robert F. Kennedy, the former Attorney General, Kennedy is also recognized for his work as an environmental lawyer, author, and anti-vaccine campaigner. Since his appointment as a cabinet secretary in the second Trump administration in 2025, he has become a polarizing figure, known for his controversial views about vaccine effectiveness, changes to federal nutrition policy, cuts in scientific research funding, and significant layoffs within the health and human services sector.

RFK Jr. claims AI will revolutionize rural healthcare during his visit to Danville on Monday.

A sunlit rural clinic courtyard in Danville: RFK Jr. in a navy blazer shakes hands with a local physician holding a sleek tablet showing a faint green network diagram symbolizing AI-driven care. Behind them, a weathered wooden sign reads “Danville Rural Health Center,” an American flag waves on a wooden pole, and rolling farmland and a vintage pickup truck stretch into the warm morning light—an optimistic scene of technology transforming country medicine.

RFK Jr., during Monday trip to Danville, says AI will transform rural healthcare - Cardinal News

- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasizes AI's potential to transform rural healthcare during his visit.  
- The Rural Health Transformation Program will distribute $50 billion to improve rural healthcare access.  
- Concerns persist about funding limitations, hospital closings, and patient privacy in AI healthcare use.

Rural healthcare will be transformed by artificial intelligence, said Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of health and human services, during a visit to Danville on Monday.

Kennedy’s trip included two stops in Southside: a substance use disorder rehabilitation facility in Chatham and the Virginia Tech controlled environment agriculture research center in Danville.

Rep. John McGuire, the Republican congressman who represents the 5th District, hosted Kennedy on a tour of the district.

At a media conference afterward, Kennedy said that federal funding will increase access to rural healthcare through telehealth and AI.

“President Trump has done more to revitalize America’s rural economies and rural healthcare than any other president,” he said. “The Rural Health Transformation Program is the biggest investment in rural economies that we’ve ever seen in our country.”

The federal initiative will distribute $50 billion across the country over a five-year span to improve rural healthcare.

The program was meant to offset cuts made by the Trump administration to Medicaid and other health services, particularly in rural areas where hospitals and clinics depend on federal funding. But the money can’t be used to replace reimbursement from Medicaid or other insurance providers.

The program drew a lot of concerns, including the possible closings of rural hospitals, maternal health deserts, limited dental access, workforce shortages and the spread of treatable diseases such as hepatitis C.

Kennedy said the funding will contribute to the use of AI among healthcare providers, which he called especially important in rural areas.

“With new AI systems, all the paperwork is done and a doctor spends his time seeing patients,” Kennedy said. “We’re supporting AI nurses that are available 24 hours a day. They have your full medical records. … They can take your blood pressure, your vital signs, and give you advice to keep you from having to go to the emergency room.”

According to a 2026 survey by the American Medical Association, about 81% of physicians report using AI. It’s used for tasks like searching medical research, triaging and communicating with patients, documenting visits and generating discharge instructions.

The increases in efficiency are coupled with caution about data security, patient privacy and the changing role of human professionals in healthcare.

Kennedy said that his agency has “done more to drive AI” than any other agency of the government, “with the possible exception of the CIA, but nobody really knows what they’re doing.”

The most significant impact of AI in healthcare will be in rural America, he said.

Kennedy, who grew up in McLean and went to the University of Virginia School of Law, said that Virginia, and especially its rural areas, have a special place in his heart.

Kennedy is the nephew of former Ppresident John F. Kennedy and the son of his attorney general, Robert F. Kennedy. He is also known as an environmental lawyer, author and anti-vaccine activist.

He has been a controversial figure since becoming a cabinet secretary in the second Trump administration in 2025 due to his public skepticism of vaccine efficacy, updates to the federal nutrition policy, cancellation of funding for scientific research, and mass layoffs to the health and human services workforce. More stories on Politics For renters locked out of state assistance, the road to flood recovery is long As $43 million for Southwest flood relief remains unspent, residents who can’t afford to fix their homes wait for help 5th District is only congressional district with both a Democratic and Republican primary. Here are the candidates.

RFK Jr., during Monday trip to Danville, says AI will transform rural healthcare

A recent report from Monster reveals that for the third year in a row, over 90% of American workers feel their salaries are failing to keep pace with rising living costs. Key findings from the 2026 Monster Cost of Living Report include that 85% of employees have tapped into their savings, a notable increase from 82% in 2024. Additionally, 74% are actively seeking positions that offer higher compensation, while 58% believe that securing a job is becoming more challenging as companies tighten budgets.

Meanwhile, Zety's Workplace Situationships Report paints a troubling picture of the employer-employee dynamic, highlighting stagnation and a growing sense of disconnect. The survey reveals that 59% of workers do not envision a long-term future with their current employer. Financial stability remains a primary reason for their continued employment, with 60% citing this as a motivating factor.

In the realm of technology, a new survey by the Pew Research Center shows that many Americans perceive China as leading the way in artificial intelligence development, rather than the United States. Interestingly, 43% of respondents stress the importance of the U.S. being the front-runner in AI innovation. Concerns linger over the implications of the global AI competition, with 51% believing it will exacerbate inequalities between wealthy and impoverished nations.

On the health front, New Hampshire has been identified by WalletHub as the top state for healthcare in the nation. The state boasts the second-lowest out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures and the lowest average monthly health insurance premium, approximated at $469. Furthermore, New Hampshire ranks impressively with the 10th-highest number of nurses and the fifth-highest number of physician assistants per capita.

Lastly, the Pew Research Center has released fresh insights about global energy production, revealing that fossil fuels still dominate the electricity generation landscape. In 2025, 57% of the world's electricity was produced from coal, gas, or other fossil sources, a decline from 65% in 2000. However, solar power is gaining traction, contributing 9% to global electricity output in 2025, a significant rise from 3% in 2020 and a mere 0.01% in 2000. China has emerged as a leader in the production of solar and wind energy.

Take 5: employee pay, artificial intelligence, and health services

An airy community hall bathed in warm natural sunlight. At left, a factory worker in overalls smiles as they receive a neatly folded paycheck and a small stack of coins on a wooden table. Center, a modern AI server rack with softly glowing green data streams on its screens (no harsh blue tones) sits quietly, cables neatly coiled. Right, a healthcare professional in scrubs and a stethoscope reviews patient charts on a tablet. Sunbeams stream through tall arched windows, visually linking the three scenes in one cohesive, hopeful tableau.

Take 5: worker wage, AI and healthcare - NH Business Review

- Over 90% of U.S. workers feel wages aren't keeping up with living costs.  
- Most workers lack long-term commitment to employers, prioritizing financial stability instead.  
- New Hampshire ranks as the best state for healthcare, with low insurance premiums.

Take 5: worker wage, AI and healthcare

NH Business Review's biweekly snapshot of business and industry statistics

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ACCORDING to the 2026 Monster Cost of Living Report, over 9 in 10 U.S. workers say their wages are not keeping up with the cost of living for the third consecutive year. Other highlights from the report include: 85% have dipped into their savings, up 82% from 2024; 74% are looking for a higher-paying role, and 58% say it’s harder to find a job as companies cut costs.

THE Workplace Situationships Report from Zety found that the relationship between employers and employees has been defined by a lack of progress, uncertain commitment and growing disconnection. Fifty-nine percent of workers surveyed do not see a long-term path with their employer, with 60% citing financial stability as the reason why they continue to stick around.

A new Pew Research Center survey found that Americans are more likely to say that China, not the United States, is more advanced when it comes to developing artificial intelligence. However, 43% of Americans say it is extremely or very important that the U.S. is the world’s leader in developing AI. As concerns persist about the global AI race, 51% of Americans say that AI will increase the gap between rich and poor countries overall.

NEW Hampshire was ranked as the No. 1 best state for healthcare, as determined by WalletHub. The Granite State was found to have the second-lowest out-of-pocket medical spending in the country, with residents having the lowest average monthly health insurance premium, at around $469. When considering the state’s medical workforce, New Hampshire has the 10th-most nurses and fifth-most physician assistants per capita.

THE Pew Research Center shared the latest insights into energy production, including that most electricity still comes from burning fossil fuels. Worldwide, 57% of all electricity generated in 2025 came from burning coal, gas or other fossil fuels, down from 65% in 2000. In 2025, 9% of the world’s electricity came from solar power, up from 3% in 2020 and just 0.01% in 2000. China leads the world in solar and wind energy production.

AI in healthcare News