US Health Department Reveals Plan to Increase Use of AI Technology

NEW YORK (AP) On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) revealed a comprehensive plan to broaden its integration of artificial intelligence. The initiative builds on prior government enthusiasm for AI, while raising concerns about safeguarding sensitive health data.

HHS described the initiative as an initial step aimed at boosting operational efficiency and coordinating AI adoption across its divisions. The 20-page strategy also outlines ambitious goals, including leveraging AI for patient data analysis and accelerating drug development.

Our department has long been slowed by bureaucracy and administrative hurdles, Deputy HHS Secretary Jim ONeill stated. Now is the time to eliminate these barriers and unite around technology to enhance public health.

The plan reflects ongoing interest across the federal government in AI tools, encouraging staff to use chatbots and AI assistants in daily tasks. While generative AI made rapid advancements during President Joe Bidens tenure, Trump-era policies removed prior executive restrictions to accelerate AI adoption across federal agencies.

Experts note that HHSs modernization efforts present both opportunities and risks. Critics stress the need for strict standards given the sensitive nature of health data, especially under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership. Members of Kennedys Make America Healthy Again initiative have also expressed concerns about personal data access by tech companies.

Department Encourages AI Across Operations

The strategy promotes a try-first culture, allowing employees to enhance productivity through AI. Earlier this year, HHS made ChatGPT available to all staff members.

The document highlights five pillars of its AI approach: establishing governance to manage risks, creating AI resources for department-wide use, empowering employees with AI tools, funding programs to set research standards, and integrating AI into public health and patient care. HHS divisions are already exploring AI-driven personalized health guidance by securely accessing and analyzing patient records in real time.

However, some members of Kennedys movement remain uneasy about AI analyzing medical data and collaborating with major tech companies. Previous controversies, such as sharing Medicaid recipients data with federal enforcement agencies, have heightened scrutiny.

Balancing Innovation and Data Safety

Oren Etzioni, AI expert and nonprofit founder, praised HHSs enthusiasm for AI but warned against compromising safety for speed. The strategy sets ambitious goalscentralized data, rapid AI deployment, and an AI-equipped workforcebut handling Americans health information carries inherent risks, he noted. He acknowledged that calls for rigorous standards and transparency are positive but questioned whether they would be met under current leadership.

Darrell West, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, highlighted that while the plan mentions strengthening risk management, specifics on execution remain unclear. There are many questions about how sensitive health data will be protected and how information will be shared, he said. Properly implemented, he added, this initiative could transform HHS into a more efficient and modernized agency.

The strategy reports that HHS had 271 active or planned AI projects in fiscal year 2024, with projections indicating a 70% increase in 2025.

Author: Riley Thompson