The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing this week on how artificial intelligence can be best leveraged to advance care delivery. Chairman Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) sought to explore real-world applications for the technology, but the hearing devolved multiple times over whether Congress has done enough to protect scientific integrity. Witnesses emphasized that AI should empower (not replace) clinicians, be interoperable and safe, and accelerate care. Keep reading for highlights from the hearing or click here to rewatch the conversation in full.  

Relevant witnesses were called from various sectors of care delivery, including academia, private software developers, clinicians and venture capital investors. Witnesses highlighted how AI might be able to help patients access care more quickly and conveniently. For example, Mr. TJ Parker of General Medicine, noted how his company uses AI to collate patients’ medical records, provider recommendations, and book appointments and prescription refills “just like checking out an online shopping cart.” He hopes AI can be used to make primary care easier and more equitable to access. Mr. Andrew Toy testified on how his company leverages AI in MA to make sure seniors are diagnosed quickly and accurately—pulling together hundreds of records right at the doctor’s fingertips through their tool, Clover Assistant.   

There was bipartisan concern on ethical considerations on AI optimization, with lengthy discussions on how to safeguard work only appropriate for humans to do, as well as potential policy guardrails to protect American jobs. Potential dangers of AI, particularly in the pediatric population, were discussed at length, as well as how to balance consumers’ right to privacy with AI’s potential. Legislators on both sides of the aisle ultimately agreed that AI’s worth lies in how it can best support providers, not replace them.