The UK National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare has been tasked with advising the MHRA on how to re-write the regulatory rulebook on AI in healthcare, which will be published next year. 

The commission will bring in experts from big tech companies such as Google and Microsoft, as well as leading clinicians, researchers and patient advocates, to advise regulators on how to speed up access to the latest tech in a safe way.

Science and technology secretary, Liz Kendall, said: ‘AI has incredible potential to help doctors spot and treat diseases earlier. But we need experts to come together so patients can benefit from these opportunities quickly and safely.

‘This commission will ensure the UK leads the way in making these game-changing  technologies available in the safest possible way, helping more of us to lead healthy, longer lives and supporting our NHS.'

Health Innovation Minister, Zubir Ahmed, added: ‘By bringing together the brightest minds in healthcare, technology and patient safety, our Plan for Change is positioning the UK as the global leader in AI-enabled healthcare. This isn't just about innovation for innovation's sake – it's about building an NHS that works better for patients, catches diseases earlier, and gives our incredible NHS staff the tools they need to provide world-class care.'

Lawrence Tallon, chief executive of the MHRA, said: 'It is crucial that AI regulation maintains patient safety and public confidence. By bringing together leading voices in healthcare, technology, and patient safety, this commission will help establish the UK as a global leader in responsible AI healthcare regulation. 

'The MHRA will act on the recommendations of the Commission to support the NHS's digital transformation and advance the UK's ambition to become a global hub for health tech investment.' 

The commission will be chaired by Professor Alastair Denniston, practising NHS clinician and head of the UK's Centre of Excellence in Regulatory Science in AI & Digital Health (CERSI-AI), and deputy chaired by the patient safety commissioner Professor Henrietta Hughes.

Professor Alastair Denniston, commission chair, added: 'The safe and effective use of AI in healthcare is one of the defining challenges – and opportunities – of our time. 

'This commission marks a vital step in ensuring the UK leads the way in responsible innovation, and in accelerating the availability of AI technologies that can support better health for everyone. By bringing together diverse expertise we can build a regulatory framework for AI that is trusted by the public and health professionals, and delivers real benefits for patients.'

Professor Henrietta Hughes, patient safety commissioner and commission deputy chair, said: 'AI in healthcare has the potential to bring huge benefits for patients, but it must be carefully regulated. In developing the use of AI in healthcare we must listen to patients' views to ensure that its use is safe and equitable.'

Representatives, including other regulatory bodies, from across the healthcare ecosystem in the UK and internationally, will have voices in the AI National Commission, ensuring advice balances innovation with patient safety.

To ensure the commission's work reflects the full breadth of perspectives, a formal call for evidence will be launched. This will invite contributions from across the UK and internationally, helping to shape the commission's recommendations and address the most pressing challenges in AI regulation. Further details will be shared in the coming weeks.

Reaction

Dame Jennifer Dixon, chief executive of the Health Foundation, said: 'The Health Foundation is delighted to be collaborating on the new Commission for the Regulation of AI in Healthcare. AI is advancing rapidly in healthcare, with growing evidence of its potential to enhance care delivery, improve outcomes and productivity, and enrich patient experience. 

‘While the NHS 10-Year Plan set a bold vision for AI, regulation must keep pace with innovation and facilitate effective use and spread. A robust and ethical framework is essential to maintain momentum, build trust in the technology among staff and patients and ensure the UK remains a leader in responsible AI in healthcare.'

Peter Ellingworth, chief executive of ABHI, said: ‘Harnessing the power of AI and data-driven HealthTech will be vital to improving outcomes, reducing pressures on staff, and creating value across the NHS. By working together to accelerate safe adoption of AI in health care, we can ensure patients, communities and the wider economy all benefit from these innovations.

'I am therefore very pleased to be contributing to the important work of the Commission, to help ensure industry plays an active role in shaping supportive regulation that enables safe, effective and timely access to new technologies.'