Australia has called for stronger regulation of AI after doctors began using ChatGPT to write medical records

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has called for strict regulations and transparency on the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare after doctors at Perth hospitals began using ChatGPT to enter medical records into patient charts.

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The AMA said Australia is lagging behind other countries in regulating AI. Tougher regulations are needed to protect patients and healthcare professionals, as well as to build trust, the association said.

In May, five hospitals in Perth's Southern Metropolitan Health Service were advised to stop using ChatGPT to fill out medical records. Prior to that, it emerged that some staff were using the large language model in their practices.

The service's CEO, Paul Forden, said the use of such systems did not guarantee patient privacy and should be discontinued.

According to the AMA, protections should include ensuring doctors make final decisions. Also, medical staff should obtain patient consent for any treatment or diagnosis performed using AI.

The AMA said patient data must be protected. Appropriate ethical oversight is needed to ensure the system does not lead to increased health inequalities, the association added.

The AMA said Australia should consider international practices for regulating AI, such as the EU AI Act or Canada's approach on the issue.

Source: The Guardian