Congress Investigates AI's Potential to Enhance Veteran Healthcare Services

During a session on February 15, members of Congress scrutinized how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) could more effectively utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver swifter and fairer healthcare and benefits to veterans. In response, VA officials, addressing a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee, emphasized a cautious yet optimistic approach towards integrating AI technologies to improve veteran services. Charles Worthington, the VA's chief technology officer and chief artificial intelligence officer, assured that the department prioritizes the security of veterans' data while exploring AI's potential to enhance service delivery.

The VA has already begun to implement AI in various capacities, including improving the accuracy of medical diagnoses and the efficiency of cancer risk predictions, as well as launching efforts to pinpoint veterans at the highest risk of suicide. The department acknowledges AI's significant capabilities in enhancing healthcare quality, expediting benefits processes, and fortifying system security. However, some legislators raised concerns about the practices the VA intends to adopt for utilizing this technology effectively. Representative Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., in particular, inquired about the department's policy on informing veterans and obtaining their consent when their data is used in AI models or analyzed by AI instead of humans.

Worthington revealed that his team is collaborating with the Veterans Health Administration's ethics division to craft guidelines on this matter, although a specific timeline for these protocols has not been established.

He emphasized the importance of cautious AI adoption, highlighting the need for robust controls, comprehensive oversight, and stringent security measures to safeguard the interests and privacy of veterans.