The Department of Health and Human Services has announced a plan to update the agency’s data systems with a new AI infrastructure that can be shared among all its agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH. The department’s stance is that the various agencies within the department would not need to construct their own systems from scratch. Instead, they will be able to build with the tools and the hub that HHS puts in place.
Beyond the sharing capability, other foundations for the AI buildout include training staff to cut out unnecessary paperwork and routine tasks, supporting scientific research with high quality standards and improving the delivery of health care and public health services. Among these priorities, the most scrutinized aspect is building strong oversight and safety practices into the system.
Sharing among the agencies creates potential to help doctors and researchers provide more efficient and modern health care, but it also has potential risks that have technological experts and digital privacy rights watchdogs paying close attention. While hacking is a concern, some officials are more concerned with how agencies share information among themselves.
Since HHS has access to the most private information like medical records, lab results, prescription information and health histories, being vigilant about built-in protections is essential. Department officials have said that this new AI will only be available inter-agency, not to other agencies or outside commercial sources.
The rollout of a new system will have a ripple effect on state and local governments, as they will be applying for grants to update their own systems and train their workforces to use the new technology. They will have the same mandate to adhere to privacy standards.
Photo by Sarah Stierch, CC0, from Wikimedia Commons
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