Can New Zealand unlock innovative uses of AI in healthcare through a modern and effective regulatory system?

New Zealand is well positioned to leverage artificial intelligence in healthcare, provided it establishes a modern, effective regulatory framework that can balance innovation with patient safety. A clear and adaptive regulatory landscape is increasingly necessary, as AI tools are rapidly being integrated into healthcare settings worldwide, offering opportunities for enhanced diagnostics, personalised medicine, and streamlined clinical workflows.

The Privacy Act 2020 in New Zealand already mandates that organisations handle personal information responsibly, covering AI driven data usage in healthcare. Yet, this legislation requires modernisation to address AI’s specific risks, as noted by the Privacy Commissioner, who has emphasised the necessity for NZ to keep pace with global privacy regulatory standards. Current AI regulations within NZ remain risk based and minimally invasive, meaning intervention only occurs when risks to public safety or significant ethical concerns arise. This approach, although beneficial for fostering innovation, may need revision as the use of high stakes AI systems in healthcare grows.

Moreover, healthcare’s “high-risk” designation underlines the need for stricter oversight, akin to Australia’s proposed AI guardrails, which aim to ensure robust testing, transparency, and accountability across AI lifecycle stages. These guardrails serve as a model for NZ, highlighting steps like requiring developers to prove AI systems meet safety and performance metrics before deployment.

Another essential aspect is aligning AI tools with Māori perspectives on data sovereignty, ensuring that AI does not compromise culturally sensitive information. As NZ progresses, it could consider establishing sector-specific regulatory bodies, as recommended in Australia, to oversee AI in healthcare, thereby ensuring high standards without stifling technological advances.

Ultimately, by crafting a targeted, modern regulatory approach, we can drive responsible AI adoption in healthcare in NZ, harnessing technology for better patient outcomes while safeguarding privacy and fostering public trust.