As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly makes its way into the health care sector, there is a growing challenge for stakeholders—including policymakers and health systems—to keep up with the necessary regulations. Ensuring patient safety, accountability among providers, and fairness in access are key concerns that need to be addressed.
In response to this pressing need, Will Moss, a senior at Brooks, launched the Health and AI Policy Index (HAPI). This comprehensive public database monitors legislative and governance developments regarding health care AI across various regulatory frameworks. Moss's recent research published in npj Digital Medicine utilizes HAPI to examine the evolving landscape of AI governance in health care within the United States.
"HAPI was created to simplify the complexities of health care AI governance," Moss explained. "At present, those involved—policymakers, academics, and health organizations—are facing a rapidly changing regulatory scenario. I aimed to develop a centralized platform that enables people to stay updated on the developments across states in real-time."
The HAPI project assembles a range of legislative measures, executive orders, regulatory guidance, and voluntary standards related to AI in health care, encompassing local, national, and international frameworks.
"Given the absence of a unified framework governing health care AI, it is crucial for all parties to navigate a diverse and intricate array of policies emerging from various regulators and institutions," Moss noted. "HAPI is designed to consolidate these updates into one easily accessible resource."
This interactive tool invites users to delve into policies based on jurisdiction, stakeholder group, and the extent of impact. Additionally, it offers summaries, implementation insights, and trend analyses.
Moss's background in AI governance and policy at the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health at Mount Sinai provided him with practical knowledge about the evaluation and governance of health AI within health systems. His internships focusing on federal and state government affairs further honed his abilities in policy analysis and stakeholder engagement.
"Will's initiative showcases the kind of interdisciplinary policy research that will be vital as AI continues to transform health care," stated Professor Sean Nicholson. "Platforms like HAPI are important resources that aid policymakers, researchers, and health systems in navigating an increasingly intricate regulatory environment."
As AI technologies become further embedded in clinical settings, Moss emphasized the necessity for more transparent frameworks concerning oversight, safety, and accountability.
"The direction of health care AI won't solely rely on the engineers or corporations involved," he asserted. "It will also hinge on the governance structures and policies we establish around these innovations."
Moss envisions contributing to the development of governance systems that promote the safe, ethical, and equitable application of artificial intelligence in health care.
His research, "Mapping AI regulation in health care with the Health & AI Policy Index," is detailed in npj Digital Medicine.
