The Assembly Joint Hearing of the Health Committee and the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding healthcare technology, patient safety, and data privacy. The meeting focused on the challenges healthcare organizations face in monitoring digital tools and the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.

The session began with a discussion on the need for healthcare organizations to actively seek out errors in their digital systems. A speaker highlighted that while technical teams often focus on whether systems are operational, there is a pressing need for a more safety-oriented approach. The speaker emphasized that healthcare organizations typically do not prioritize the metrics that are crucial for patient safety, suggesting a need for regulatory guidance to steer them in the right direction.

The conversation then shifted to the role of state governance in ensuring the safety of healthcare technologies. Drawing parallels to the federal regulations governing human subjects research, the speaker proposed that states could establish standards for the use of AI in healthcare. This would involve creating incentives for organizations to adhere to established safety standards, which could enhance patient protection.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the implications of federal policies on AI development, particularly regarding algorithmic bias. One participant raised concerns about the current administration's lack of enforcement of nondiscrimination obligations related to algorithmic use. This situation presents an opportunity for states to implement more effective measures to combat algorithmic bias, which could be more beneficial than existing federal provisions.

The discussion also touched on the intersection of technology and data privacy. A committee member raised a critical point about the potential risks associated with health monitoring tools, such as the echocardiogram application. They expressed concerns about how personal health data could be misused by insurance companies, potentially leading to negative consequences for individuals seeking coverage. This highlighted the ongoing tension between the benefits of data utilization in advancing healthcare and the risks of privacy violations.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the complexities of integrating technology into healthcare while ensuring patient safety and data privacy. The discussions revealed a consensus on the need for clearer regulatory frameworks and the importance of balancing innovation with ethical considerations. The committees plan to continue exploring these issues, with a focus on developing actionable strategies to enhance both patient safety and data protection in the evolving landscape of healthcare technology.