Regulatory Reflection: AI, cybersecurity, and the new tools of the trade

Abstract

This article explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity in the evolving landscape of nursing regulation. As regulatory agencies manage increasingly complex responsibilities, AI offers opportunities to enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and deliver more consistent and efficient public protection. From automating licensure workflows to enabling predictive analytics, AI is emerging as a powerful advisory tool for boards of nursing while maintaining the necessity of human oversight. Simultaneously, cybersecurity has become a critical priority, requiring regulators to adopt proactive strategies to safeguard sensitive data, strengthen governance, and ensure ethical implementation of emerging technologies. Highlighting initiatives at the Kansas State Board of Nursing, the article underscores the need for cultural adaptation, workforce training, and cross-jurisdictional collaboration. It calls on regulators to embrace digital literacy, demand algorithmic transparency, and prepare for a future where AI-driven insights and robust cybersecurity frameworks become integral to effective, ethical, and innovative regulation.