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AI Could Prescribe Medications Under Proposed Legislation
Artificial intelligence (AI) may soon be authorized to issue prescriptions, provided a newly introduced bill successfully navigates Congress. This legislative proposal seeks to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, potentially paving the way for AI and machine learning technologies to be recognized as practitioners qualified to prescribe medications. Such authorization would be contingent upon state approval and the endorsement of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The introduction of this bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, followed by its referral to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in January, marks a significant step in the ongoing discussion surrounding the integration of advanced technology into healthcare.
Concerns Raised by Medical Experts
However, medical professionals have voiced concerns regarding the readiness of AI for such responsibilities. Dr. Adam Rodman, a hospitalist and AI program director at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, indicated in a statement to MedPage Today that current AI technology is not sufficiently advanced to handle medication prescriptions.
Despite present limitations, Dr. Rodman acknowledged the rapid advancements in the field, stating, “Things are accelerating so quickly… I don’t doubt that we will be having this conversation” in the near future, suggesting the inevitability of further consideration on this topic.
He interpreted the proposed legislation as a reflection of enthusiasm for AI technology, potentially aimed at bridging significant “care gaps” experienced by individuals with limited access to medical professionals.
Need for Robust Regulations
Echoing a cautious stance, Dr. Stephan Fihn, an internal medicine physician and professor at the University of Washington, emphasized to MedPage Today the necessity for extensive regulatory frameworks. “There would have to be huge sets of regulations that govern this,” he stated. The current legislative proposal lacks specificity concerning the types of medications, settings of application, and the role of physician oversight, highlighting areas requiring further clarification and regulation.
Current Applications and Premature Implementation
Dr. Fihn, who also serves as executive deputy editor of JAMA Network Open, recognized the expanding role of AI in medicine with numerous existing applications. Nevertheless, he deemed the bill’s proposition for AI and machine learning in direct drug prescribing as “premature.” He pointed out the wide spectrum of drugs, ranging from low-risk to high-risk, implying a need for careful consideration due to the potential variability in risk associated with different medications.
High Standards for AI Prescribers
Drawing a parallel with autonomous vehicles, Dr. Fihn speculated that AI prescribing systems would likely face stringent approval criteria, possibly exceeding those for human practitioners. “My suspicion is that there will be a very high bar for approving these, at least initially,” he commented, suggesting a rigorous evaluation process.
Looking to the future, Dr. Fihn concluded, “I think it will come to be.” He added a conditional optimism: “And to be honest, properly developed, properly tested, properly managed, and highly regulated, it could be a good thing. But this has to be proven and shown,” underscoring the importance of evidence-based validation and stringent controls.
Legislator’s Perspective on AI in Healthcare
Representative Schweikert, the bill’s sponsor, conveyed in a statement to MedPage Today the urgency to adapt to the escalating volume of medical knowledge and the complex demands of patient care. He stressed the “need to adapt to the intricate demands of medical conditions and how physicians provide the personalized care [individuals] deserve.”
Schweikert highlighted diverse benefits of technology adoption within healthcare, including “discovering new drugs, physicians diagnosing diseases, increasing drug adherence.” He envisioned “a society where we can actually focus on the well-being of our communities, while leaving the task of burdensome paperwork to integrated algorithms that save time and money,” advocating for the legalization of this technological advancement as “imperative.”
AI for Efficiency and Cost Reduction in Government
In a previous interview, Schweikert addressed the potential of AI in healthcare to mitigate government expenditure. He stated to Nextgov/FCW that “Technology has to be part of the way we bend the borrowing and debt curve,” asserting that broader AI implementation “can make government better, faster, cheaper” in serving the population’s needs.
Schweikert emphasized AI’s capacity to enhance diagnostic processes and streamline both front-end and back-end medical operations. He acknowledged the present reality: “It’s here, we now just have to build the infrastructure around it,” referencing a transformative “new medical landscape.” He also pointed out the accelerating pace of technological progress outpacing existing regulatory frameworks, indicating a need for regulatory adaptation.
Previous Legislative Efforts and Ongoing Development
Reports from Nextgov/FCW indicate that Representative Schweikert had previously introduced similar legislation in January 2023, aimed at achieving comparable objectives. However, that earlier bill did not progress beyond the committee stage.
Despite legislative hurdles, the integration of AI in healthcare continues to evolve, with new applications constantly emerging.
Transparency and Accountability in AI Healthcare Applications
Experts at a Kaiser Family Foundation online panel in February discussed AI’s potential to simplify prior authorization procedures, while emphasizing the critical need for “complete transparency.”
The landscape of AI in healthcare remains largely unexplored. A 2024 report from MedPage Today suggested that accountability would be a central theme in the ongoing development, although immediate comprehensive regulation was not anticipated.
The American College of Physicians, in a policy paper from June, advocated for AI technologies to serve as complements to, rather than replacements for, the clinical judgment of physicians and other healthcare providers.
Future of the Proposed Bill
The progression of Representative Schweikert’s current bill through the legislative process remains uncertain. Dr. Rodman reflected on the rapid shift in perceptions, observing that “Five years ago, what is being proposed in the bill may have seemed like science fiction.” He concluded, “This isn’t sci-fi… It’s just we aren’t there yet,” acknowledging the advancement of the concept while highlighting the current technological limitations for widespread implementation.