Here are a few of the policy statements issued by PATH, the predessor of THI
** A Primer on Paying for Telehealth Services in the U.S. **
** Proposed AI Legislation Before Congress **
** PATH Comments to the FDA on Digital Health Regulations **
Goals and Priorities
THI supports both public and private initiatives for patients, providers and payers to realize the health outcome benefits of artificial intelligence, automation, medical sensors and robotics based on the following goals:
Improve patient outcomes and productivity
These are core objectives for all of THI’s activities. Expanded uses of these newer technologies will achieve that end. To facilitate this, THI will promote applications that show greatest utility. These will be identified through independent studies demonstrating their ability to 1) facilitate access to appropriate care and significantly reduce misdiagnoses and medical errors for patients and 2) enhance the value-cost ratio and efficiencies for the healthcare industry. These successful applications will form the foundation for best practices and guidelines.
Reduce government and professional regulatory barriers
Regulation of these technologies should provide assurances of safety, security and accessibility of services. However, arbitrary regulatory or professional barriers that thwart progress or competition within the United States and other countries must be overcome. As with any innovation, the benefits of these technologies may not accrue uniformly. Market opportunities will allow both innovative technology and non-traditional health providers to emerge and increase competition among existing institutions.
Align payment policies and incentives
THI will work with academia, professional societies, health providers, public and private third-party payors and providers to achieve appropriate payment policies that reflect the unique value-added of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and robotics tools. Aside from value-based payment approaches, this may require a different payment approach and levels of payment than currently used for reimbursement of services.
Promote partnership in developing ethical applications
The healthcare and technology industries should work together to foster basic and applied research on the ethical, legal and social implications of the use of artificial intelligence, automation, sensors and robotics for individuals, families and communities. Such initiatives as the ELSI Research Program at the National Human Genome Research Institute is one model approach. Development of public policies, standards and guidelines should involve all stakeholders. Patient data belongs to the patient and such information should have full privacy protections. Such data can be an important asset, when used collectively, for improving population health, assuming privacy protections are in place.
Advance public understanding
Public goodwill for the use of artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics is critical. As such, THI is committed to polices that inform patients, providers, payors, regulators, and other governmental and professional bodies about the value and uses of these innovations and provide forums for open discussion.