The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare presents both opportunities and challenges. Nearly 70% of physicians reported using AI tools in 2024, driven by excitement about improving administrative and clinical tasks. To effectively manage this AI integration, healthcare organizations must establish robust governance policies. The AMA’s STEPS Forward® toolkit offers an eight-step strategy to create effective AI policies, emphasizing executive accountability, risk assessment, and training. Essential components of an AI policy include definitions of AI terminology, risk identification, permitted versus prohibited AI uses, guidelines for data retention, and oversight processes. Organizations should also update existing policies related to ethics, consent, and data security to align with new AI frameworks. The AMA continuously advocates for responsible AI use, ensuring these technologies enhance, rather than burden, healthcare professionals. For further insights into AI in healthcare, organizations can access AMA’s educational resources and advocacy principles.
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