HHS Seeks Public Feedback for AI Integration in Healthcare
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a formal Request for Information (RFI) to gather stakeholder input on how to effectively incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. The department aims to harness AI’s potential to improve patient outcomes, enhance provider experiences, and reduce overall healthcare costs.
HHS officials believe that AI can play a transformative role in modernizing the U.S. healthcare system. The RFI, issued as part of the agency’s larger AI strategy, invites suggestions from healthcare providers, technology developers, researchers, and the general public. The goal is to pave a path for clinical-scale AI adoption across the country.
Goals of the RFI: Innovation, Safety, and Interoperability
The RFI outlines several key areas where HHS is seeking input. These include:
- Developing digital health and AI software change regulations that protect patient safety
- Creating reimbursement models that incentivize the use of cost-saving AI tools
- Enhancing the interoperability of protected health information systems
- Exploring how research and development investments can support AI and machine learning implementation in complex clinical environments
“Artificial intelligence will be a transformative force for good across America,” said Jim O’Neill, Deputy Secretary of HHS. “We want to hear from you. Our efforts to accelerate AI adoption must be guided by the real needs and experiences of those developing these tools and delivering care.”
AI Adoption Tied to Patient Data Interoperability
A significant component of the effort involves ensuring the safe and secure movement of HIPAA-protected patient data across healthcare systems. Dr. Thomas Keane, Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and National Coordinator for Health IT, emphasized that data liquidity and trust in healthcare data systems are essential for AI’s success.
“Data liquidity and the trust patients and providers have in how data moves are essential,” Keane stated. “Through our interoperability work, we are designing for both, bringing true data access to patients and enabling AI.”
HHS is also encouraging respondents to consider medium- and long-term challenges that could benefit from AI, including the growing prevalence of chronic and age-related conditions like dementia.
AI Strategic Plan to Guide Implementation
Earlier in the year, HHS released an Artificial Intelligence Strategic Plan designed to align public and private efforts in responsibly adopting AI across the healthcare sector. The plan focuses on four primary goals:
- Fostering innovation in health AI
- Promoting trustworthy and ethical AI development
- Democratizing access to AI tools and technologies
- Developing a skilled AI workforce within healthcare
In addition to the strategic plan, HHS has introduced a new internal AI initiative aimed at integrating AI across its agencies. This includes automating administrative workflows and improving data quality by unifying complex IT systems.
Technology vendor C3 AI is partnering with HHS to support this initiative. “HHS is taking a major step toward a modern, AI-ready architecture for national health data,” said Stephen Ehikian, CEO of C3 AI, in a recent announcement.
Public Input Due by January 19, 2026
Stakeholders interested in shaping the future of AI in healthcare are encouraged to submit their feedback by January 19, 2026. HHS officials stress that the information gathered will play a critical role in guiding coordinated efforts across all divisions of the department.
“We look forward to hearing how these tools can best strengthen care,” Keane added. “The voices of innovators, clinicians, and patients alike are essential to ensuring our AI policies are both effective and equitable.”
This initiative is part of HHS’s broader mission to “Make America Healthy Again” by leveraging emerging technologies to create a more responsive, affordable, and efficient healthcare system.
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