Health Tech
VA’s early uses of robots have shown mixed success, but excitement remains
Early uses of robots across VA hospitals have highlighted the promises and drawbacks of the technologies, but they have also shown the capabilities these tools can offer clinicians, according to Acting Chief Innovation Officer Beth Ripley.
Lawmakers raise questions about security of health data shared with AI tools
“I do think there's some consumer safeguards that should be implemented,” Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said about the way AI firms may apply users’ healthcare data.
Targeted AI adoption can drive change, current and former officials say
Agencies “don't need the fanciest AI model on the marketplace” to enhance their customer-facing operations, according to former VA Chief Experience Officer John Boerstler.
Lawmakers propose grant program to boost AI training in medical schools
The bill would enable qualified medical schools and institutions to receive up to $100,000 in funding to promote AI literacy.
Post-9/11 veterans group’s project to modernize VA healthcare includes suicide prevention focus
The initiative from the nonprofit Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is helmed by former VA Secretary David Shulkin and is looking into seven preliminary areas of care.
AI-based suicide prevention efforts at VA always have human involvement, official says
“We do not currently have any plans that I'm aware of to use AI as a treatment device instead of providers,” Evan Carey, acting director of VA’s National Artificial Intelligence Institute, told lawmakers.
In-home clinical uses of immersive tech will raise data privacy questions, VA official says
VA has over 40 use cases of augmented reality and virtual reality tools for patients and department staff.
Psychology experts call for AI age controls and chatbot tailoring
Experts testified before Congress about their concerns with artificial intelligence’s presence in mental health practices, particularly among adolescents and children.
Report: Veteran suicide prevention increasingly looks to use AI, digital capabilities
A report published by the RAND Corporation found that 17% of active veteran suicide prevention programs are already using AI, with 37% of proposed programs planning to do so.
HHS pause on external comms delaying upcoming health summits
Two planned events have been indefinitely postponed as a result of the Trump administration’s freeze on HHS-related mass communications and public appearances.
HHS AI plan looks to the private sector for collaboration
Public engagement and collaborative partnerships with the private sector “throughout the innovation pipeline” can help ensure that AI tools are being equitably used and deployed, HHS said in its AI strategic plan.
VA proposes funding telehealth access points at non-VA facilities
The VA is looking to expand access to virtual healthcare consults by funding the creation of such access points at non-VA facilities in rural or medically underserved areas.
Featured eBooks
Lawmakers look to extend COVID-19 telehealth med exemption for veterans
A bipartisan House bill would allow VA clinicians to prescribe veterans with controlled medications through the targeted extension of a pandemic-era waiver.
Lawmakers look to clarify electronic medical device use in secure facilities
A Senate bill would charge an “Electronic Medical Device Governance Board” with reviewing agencies’ policies regarding the use of digital healthcare instruments in highly-classified facilities.
AI can enhance health care and enable cost savings, lawmaker says
Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., said lawmakers “have to build the infrastructure” around the use of AI in wearable medical devices.
Online health services, apps to face new data security rule enforcement in July
The FTC rules are meant to incentivize digital health providers to shore up their security postures and increase transparency in the event of a data breach.
VA is already using AI to identify and assist veterans in crisis, officials say
The use of AI capabilities to review the agency’s surveys to veterans has helped save a couple thousand lives and helped another couple thousand retired servicemembers receive housing, according to VA’s chief veterans experience officer.
FDA and CISA need to update cyber agreement for medical devices, watchdog says
The Government Accountability Office said medical devices are not commonly hacked but still called them “a source of cybersecurity concern warranting significant attention.”
CISA and HHS look to help the health sector ramp up cyber hygiene
Agency resources are intended to address the longstanding challenges health systems and hospitals have faced from increasingly advanced cyberattacks.
FDA forms new committee to advise on health tech
The FDA is taking nominations for the Digital Health Advisory Committee, which is expected to begin work next year.
