Georgia lawmakers are delving into how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare, particularly within hospitals, as they prepare for the 2025 legislative session. Experts testified before state House and Senate committees on the role AI is already playing in medical treatment and patient care, as well as the challenges it presents.
AI Enhancing Healthcare Efficiency
AI technology is being increasingly integrated into healthcare settings. For instance, Emory Healthcare’s Dr. Alistair Erskine shared how AI-enabled sensors predict when high-risk patients might fall, providing a 45-second warning for nurses to intervene. Additionally, AI assists in reviewing CAT scans, processing vast amounts of medical data, and monitoring surgeries to ensure no surgical tools are left inside a patient.
One of the most significant developments is the use of “ambient listening” technology, which allows doctors to conduct patient visits without typing or using a computer. By recording conversations with patients, the technology automatically generates clinical notes, alleviating the cognitive burden on doctors and ensuring accuracy in patient records.
Concerns and Ethical Considerations
Despite the benefits, lawmakers raised critical concerns about privacy, autonomy, and bias in AI systems. Senator Ed Setzler questioned whether patients would have the option to decline AI-assisted monitoring or the recording of their consultations with doctors. Dr. Erskine assured that current privacy laws would protect patients, but acknowledged the need for clearer policies that allow patients to opt out if desired, especially in critical situations where AI tools could potentially save lives.
Representative Dar’shun Kendrick addressed the issue of racial bias in AI algorithms. Erskine cited a case at Emory where kidney care algorithms were based on racially differentiated data, which has no physiological basis. The hospital worked to “deracialize” these algorithms to ensure fairer outcomes for all patients. However, Erskine admitted that AI algorithms are not yet perfect, and ongoing efforts are necessary to address these biases.
Looking Ahead to 2025 Legislation
Georgia’s AI committees, which have been meeting since the end of the 2024 legislative session, are preparing to present recommendations for legislation in January. AI’s potential impact spans beyond healthcare, including areas such as traffic management, education, and public safety. Senate AI Committee Chairman John Albers is particularly interested in how AI can aid first responders, streamline 911 dispatch, and assist in solving cybercrimes.
AI-related legislation could also tackle concerns like the use of deepfake technology in political ads or crimes, with past attempts to regulate AI-generated deepfakes in political campaigns signaling a potential re-emergence in the 2025 session.
As AI continues to evolve, lawmakers are preparing for an ongoing and dynamic discussion on its role in shaping Georgia’s future policies.
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