Representative Kelly Advocates for AI Equity in Health Care During Hearing

The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce convened to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care, with a strong emphasis on ensuring patient safety and equitable access. Representative Kelly highlighted the urgent need for vigilance regarding AI's integration into health systems, particularly in light of recent actions by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that she claims undermine public health efforts.

During the meeting, Kelly, who co-chairs the bipartisan digital health caucus, stressed the importance of addressing long-standing disparities in health care access, especially for minority and underserved communities. She pointed out that while AI holds promise for creating a more equitable health landscape, it also poses risks if not implemented carefully.

Kelly raised critical concerns about the data used to train AI tools, noting that incomplete or biased data can lead to harmful outcomes. She cited instances where algorithms have failed to accurately assess the needs of Black patients and where dermatological tools have misdiagnosed conditions in individuals with darker skin tones. These examples underscore the potential for AI to perpetuate existing inequities in health care.

In her questioning, Kelly urged developers, health systems, and federal regulators to ensure that AI tools are rigorously tested and validated for diverse populations before they are deployed. This call to action reflects a growing recognition of the need for inclusivity in health technology to truly benefit all Americans.

As discussions continue, the committee aims to navigate the complexities of AI in health care, balancing innovation with the imperative of patient safety and equity. The outcomes of these deliberations could shape the future of health care delivery in the United States, making it crucial for stakeholders to engage actively in this evolving dialogue.