MEDIA CONTACT: Andrea Downing

Email: andrea@lightcollective.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-collective
X: @BeLikeLight 

Release date:

Apr 8, 2024

PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate Release

Public Comment Open through May 8

April 8, 2024– In response to national initiatives forming artificial intelligence (AI) standards, codes of conduct, and bills of rights in healthcare settings, largely in the absence of input from patient communities, AI Rights for Patients  was launched today by The Light Collective. The document’s authors urge healthcare organizations, industry, payers, policy makers, and patient communities to read the document, submit public comment, and adopt its final version as a part of organizational policies related to the use of AI on patients, including in the care or coordination of an individual’s care. The public comment period is open between now and May 8, 2024. 

AI Rights for Patients outlines seven collective rights for patients in health AI: 

• Patient-led Governance
• Independent Duty to Patients
• Transparency
• Self-Determination
• Identity Security and Privacy
• Right of Action
• Shared Benefit

The document is designed to help stakeholders in the US healthcare ecosystem, including health systems, payers, and technology developers define standards and rules in health AI that respect and advance the rights, interests, and concerns of patient communities.  

“Multiple national initiatives are forming AI standards, codes of conduct, and bills of rights, largely in the absence of input from patient communities,” said Andrea Downing, Co-Founder of the non-profit advocacy organization, The Light Collective, and lead author of the document. “In an era where AI is reshaping the healthcare landscape, it is imperative that patient rights are not only protected, but also championed.  These rights serve as a foundational document, articulating principles and values that underpin patient-centered AI practices.”

During the public comment period, document co-authors invite individuals and organizations to review the draft AI Rights for Patients, and provide feedback. Input on AI Rights for Patients is being captured through GitHub and other platforms.  You can also visit Github for more details.

As part of this work, AI Rights for Patients co-authors are proud to be in partnership with the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) in their AI Code of Conduct National Initiative.   The Light Collective aims to expand partnerships with initiatives such as Health AI Partnership (HAIP) and Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) to advance the implementation of patient-led rights in artificial intelligence. The co-authors represent a national consortium of patient advocates, clinicians, and health data experts committed to building fair and equitable technologies to advance the digital rights of patients. 

“It is imperative we ensure technology innovations in healthcare are deployed ethically and responsibly,” said Laura Adams, Senior Advisor at the National Academy of Medicine. “There is a duty to serve and protect patients in a way that extends beyond traditional care delivery models. The opportunities presented by AI in healthcare are exciting, but will only achieve their full potential if developed and deployed in partnership with patients.”

Learn more about AI Rights for Patients on The Light Collective website at https://lightcollective.org/patient-ai-rights/. This work is supported by a grant from the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation. 

About The Light Collective:

The Light Collective is a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the rights, interests, and voices of patient communities in health technology. Through collaboration with patient advocates, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders, The Light Collective aims to drive meaningful change in healthcare through patient-led innovation and inclusion.

Github: https://github.com/TheLightCollective/PatientLedAI