Ethical and legal considerations in healthcare AI: innovation and policy for safe and fair use.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare by enhancing diagnostics, personalizing medicine and improving surgical precision. However, its integration into healthcare systems raises significant ethical and legal challenges. This review explores key ethical principles-autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, transparency and accountability-highlighting their relevance in AI-driven decision-making. Legal challenges, including data privacy and security, liability for AI errors, regulatory approval processes, intellectual property and cross-border regulations, are also addressed. As AI systems become increasingly autonomous, questions of responsibility and fairness must be carefully considered, particularly with the potential for biased algorithms to amplify healthcare disparities. This paper underscores the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration between technologists, healthcare providers, legal experts and policymakers to create adaptive, globally harmonized frameworks. Public engagement is emphasized as essential for fostering trust and ensuring ethical AI adoption. With AI technologies advancing rapidly, a flexible regulatory environment that evolves with innovation is critical. Aligning AI innovation with ethical and legal imperatives will lead to a safer, more equitable healthcare system for all.