AI adoption in healthcare is accelerating—while regulation is slow to catch up. Federal agencies and state lawmakers are taking the lead, creating a patchwork of rules that health systems must navigate carefully. This landscape is raising the stakes for both health systems and industry partners, who must demonstrate not only compliance but also leadership in safety, transparency, and responsible use. 

In their latest analysis, our AI Catalyst team breaks down the shifting policy landscape and highlights six critical actions leaders can take now to prepare for what’s ahead: 

• Don’t wait for federal legislation – Align governance with emerging state-level AI legislation and/or public sentiment. 

• Track the four big themes – Transparency, consumer protections, payer oversight, and clinical use standards. 

• Build accountability – Disclose AI use, vet tools responsibly, and monitor system performance. 

• Own the outcomes – Health systems and partners alike must reinforce human oversight to maintain patient trust. 

• Prioritize equity – Push for bias mitigation to protect patients and ensure fair care delivery. 

• Engage lawmakers – Shape future policy by translating technical concepts into real-world healthcare outcomes.