Congressional Hearing Addresses Ethical Concerns of AI in Healthcare Innovation

The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce convened on September 4, 2025, to discuss the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in American health care, but concerns about its risks dominated the conversation. Lawmakers emphasized the urgent need for regulatory oversight to address ethical, legal, and social implications associated with AI technologies in health care.

One of the most pressing issues raised was the potential for AI to compromise patient safety. A committee member warned that without proper governance, the expanded use of AI could lead to delayed medical care and denied insurance coverage, ultimately jeopardizing patients' access to necessary treatments. The member highlighted alarming instances where AI chatbots have negatively impacted mental health, particularly among vulnerable teens, underscoring the need for caution in deploying these technologies.

The meeting also spotlighted the Trump administration's recent decision to rescind an executive order aimed at strengthening AI governance in high-risk areas, raising further concerns about the lack of regulatory frameworks. The administration's plan to pilot AI programs in Medicare prior authorization processes was met with skepticism, as lawmakers called for robust safeguards to protect patient data privacy.

Witnesses at the hearing, including leaders from health tech companies, presented innovative AI applications aimed at improving patient care. For instance, TJ Parker, founder of General Medicine, shared how AI is being used to enhance price transparency and streamline patient experiences. Similarly, Andrew Toy, CEO of Clover Health, discussed how AI tools can empower physicians to deliver personalized care and improve health outcomes for seniors.

Despite the promising advancements, the overarching message was clear: while AI holds the potential to revolutionize health care, it must be implemented responsibly and with adequate oversight to mitigate risks. The committee's discussions set the stage for future legislative efforts aimed at balancing innovation with patient safety and privacy. As AI continues to evolve, the health care sector must navigate these challenges to ensure that technology serves as a tool for better health outcomes, not a source of harm.