In a bid to transform your smartphone into a “doctor in your pocket,” Google is leveraging its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities across the healthcare sector. However, the tech giant faces a challenging journey, grappling with skeptical lawmakers, concerns over patient privacy, and the potential monopolization of the healthcare AI landscape.
Google’s AI delves into medical records, research papers, imaging, and clinical guidelines to aid physicians in diagnosing diseases and determining treatment options. While the company has already struck deals with healthcare institutions like the Mayo Clinic, its foray into AI-driven healthcare applications is raising eyebrows among legislators and competitors alike.
Senator Mark Warner expressed his concerns about hospitals adopting Google’s AI without adequate vetting, highlighting the dual potential of such tools to save lives and, conversely, harm patients and compromise data security. The looming challenge for Google lies in convincing lawmakers, particularly in the Biden administration, that its AI initiatives prioritize patient safety and don’t undermine competition.
The deployment of Google’s AI tools in healthcare isn’t waiting for regulatory green lights. The Mayo Clinic and HCA Healthcare are already piloting the technology for various applications, from assisting researchers to writing clinical notes. The move has triggered alarm bells among smaller competitors, fearing regulatory burdens that could favor industry giants like Google.
The battleground for regulatory influence is intensifying, with Google assembling a formidable lobbying team. This comes as legislators grapple with the absence of specific regulations governing advanced software-based AI tools. President Joe Biden has directed agencies to explore how AI in healthcare can benefit patients, but comprehensive rules are still on the horizon.
The hiring of former government healthcare regulators positions Google strategically to navigate regulatory landscapes. Karen DeSalvo, Google’s Chief Health Officer and former overseer of health information technology regulation for President Barack Obama, emphasizes the potential of AI to revolutionize healthcare positively.
Google’s involvement in shaping AI standards through groups like the Coalition for Health AI underscores its commitment to responsible AI development. However, concerns persist among startups that fear regulations may favor tech titans, creating an environment where smaller players become dependent on industry giants for progress.
Learning from past scrutiny in 2019 over its deal with Ascension, Google is proactively engaging with regulators. The company has hired former FDA officials, including Bakul Patel, the agency’s former Chief Digital Health Officer. This strategic move positions Google to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape led by the FDA.
As lawmakers deliberate on the future of AI in healthcare, Google continues its aggressive AI projects, licensing algorithms for detecting various medical conditions. The company envisions a broader role in consumer health, evident in its ownership of FitBit and exploration of consumer tools like DermAssist for diagnosing skin conditions.
Privacy concerns loom large in the AI-driven healthcare landscape. Existing laws, such as HIPAA, struggle to address the complexities introduced by advanced AI models. Mason Marks, a senior fellow at Harvard Law’s Petrie-Flom Center, raises concerns about the ethical implications of using de-identified patient data and potential antitrust issues associated with access to such data.
The regulatory landscape is gradually evolving, with Congress exploring AI’s impact on healthcare through committees like the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. While legislation specific to healthcare AI is pending, the FDA anticipates significant growth in AI-enabled medical devices.
In conclusion, Google’s ambitious foray into healthcare AI is met with regulatory challenges, privacy concerns, and fears of market domination. As the debate unfolds, the industry awaits the formulation of clear guidelines that balance innovation with safeguards for patients and competitors alike. Google’s proactive engagement with regulators positions it as a key player in shaping the future of AI in healthcare.
