As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into healthcare—from helping interpret medical images to assisting with administrative decisions—patients are increasingly being informed when AI tools are involved in their care. Policymakers and regulators are pushing for transparency so that people know when a machine, not just a human clinician, is influencing treatment recommendations, coverage decisions, or patient communications.
Several states in the U.S. are already implementing rules that require healthcare providers to disclose AI use. For example, clinics using AI for patient messaging must include clear notices and show how patients can reach a human professional, while other laws mandate that AI systems used in utilization reviews or clinical decisions be transparent to patients. These efforts aim to build trust and ensure that patients understand when technology is playing a role in their medical journey.
Disclosure matters because healthcare decisions are deeply personal and often high-stakes. Patients want to know how diagnoses are reached, whether an algorithm influenced a treatment choice, and who remains ultimately responsible for decisions about their health. Transparency supports informed consent—a foundational principle in medicine that allows patients to make knowledgeable choices about their care. Without it, confidence in both AI systems and the providers who use them can erode.
In addition to legal requirements, there are broader concerns about privacy, data security, and bias in AI systems. Healthcare AI often processes sensitive personal information, making robust safeguards essential to protect confidentiality and prevent misuse. Patients should feel empowered to ask providers how their data is used, what protections are in place, and how human oversight is maintained alongside AI tools. As AI continues to reshape healthcare, clear communication and ethical governance will be critical to maintaining trust between patients and the health systems that serve them.
