Kansas Health Institute

 

TOPEKA – The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools has prompted many sectors, including public health organizations, to explore or discuss how these tools could be used.

To assist public health organizations of all sizes and levels in crafting effective AI policies, integrating AI-related provisions into existing policies or guidelines, and fostering critical discussions before developing new policies, the Kansas Health Institute, in collaboration with Health Resources in Action and the Community Engagement Institute at Wichita State University, along with state and national partners, has created Developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policies for Public Health Organizations: A Template and Guidance. This project was part of KHI’s Public Health Infrastructure Technical Assistance Hub work, funded by the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG), which focuses on strengthening the workforce through innovation.

Developed through a literature review, policy analysis and expert input, the AI Policy Template and Guidance highlights the importance of establishing a clear vision for AI use.

This vision should articulate the rationale, appropriate circumstances and strategies for leveraging AI, along with practical steps for its effective implementation.

By translating the vision for AI into actionable steps, an organizational policy serves as a bridge between strategy and practice, enabling responsible, effective and sustainable AI integration while addressing potential concerns. 

“AI holds transformative potential in public health practice, from detecting emerging health trends and identifying potential disease outbreaks to drafting news releases, creating educational materials and developing personalized training resources,” said Tatiana Lin, KHI director of Business Strategy and Innovation and lead author of the guidance. “However, the ‘hype’ phenomenon around AI could lead some organizations to adopt these tools too quickly, without clearly defining the rationale for or implications of their use.” 

Conversely, some organizations may hesitate to explore AI tools due to the evolving nature of the field, limited AI literacy, lack of organizational buy-in, uncertain regulatory environments or inadequate infrastructure. 

“Opting to wait could create potential missed opportunities. To address these needs, a multipronged approach is essential,” said Lin. “Developing policies or guidelines could be part of this strategy. However, if a policy is not carefully designed it could result in unforeseen negative impacts.”

The guidance addresses among other topics:

• Data and Privacy

• Bias Mitigation 

• Human Oversight

• Transparency 

• Community Engagement

• Training and Capacity Building

For additional information or to request an interview, please contact Theresa Freed, KHI Director of Strategic Communication and Engagement, by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 316-305-5190.

No comments

Comments are closed

The comments for this content have been closed automatically; it's been a while since it was published.

Pick a language

search

Sports

Squeaky Clean Weather report

Weather in Ashburn

18th February, 2025 - 18:18
Clear Sky
29°F 27°F min 31°F max
6:57 17:50
Humidity: 33 %
Wind: 11.5 mph North
Visibility: 32,808 ft

Kansas News

Kansas Informer

Log in to comment