Southwest Montana News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a recent hearing, Chairman Matt Rosendale of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization brought to light a concerning revelation. It was discovered that veterans are being diagnosed using artificial intelligence (AI) without their prior consent. This practice, conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), raises questions about patient rights and the responsibility of healthcare professionals.

During the hearing, Chairman Rosendale questioned Mr. Alterovitz, an expert witness, about the use of AI in diagnosing veterans. Specifically, Chairman Rosendale inquired about the responsibility of surgeons when AI recommends against surgery based on a patient's genetic information. He also raised concerns about whether patients are informed about the origin of these prognoses – whether they are generated by humans or machines.

In response, Mr. Alterovitz acknowledged the various use cases being evaluated, including the analysis of genetics and demographics. He admitted that there are still unanswered questions and inconsistencies in the disclosure process. While AI is involved in analyzing medical records, Mr. Alterovitz emphasized that a human is always involved in reviewing the results.

Chairman Rosendale expressed his concern that veterans and patients are not adequately informed about the use of AI in their medical diagnoses. He stressed the need for a consistent and transparent disclosure process, stating, "shouldn’t this be disclosed to the veteran? Shouldn’t this be disclosed to the patients that they understand exactly who is performing this analysis and creating this prognosis?" Mr. Alterovitz agreed, admitting the lack of a consistent disclosure process and the need to prioritize this issue.

The revelation made by Chairman Rosendale highlights the importance of patient consent and transparency in healthcare. Veterans and patients have the right to know how their medical information is being used, especially when advanced technologies like AI are involved. It is essential for healthcare providers and institutions to prioritize the development of clear and consistent disclosure processes to ensure patient trust and understanding.

The Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization will continue to investigate this issue and work towards establishing guidelines and protocols for the use of AI in healthcare. Chairman Rosendale's call to elevate patient disclosure as a top priority reinforces the need for responsible and ethical implementation of AI technologies in the medical field.

As the use of AI in healthcare continues to evolve, it is crucial to strike a balance between leveraging the benefits of technology and safeguarding patient rights. The voices of Chairman Rosendale and other advocates for patient consent and transparency serve as a reminder to prioritize the well-being and autonomy of veterans and patients in the pursuit of advancements in medical care.