Government establishes National Commission to regulate AI in NHS
A major new initiative will advise on AI device regulation and strengthen the UK’s role as a health tech hub.
In a significant development in the regulation of AI in healthcare, the UK Government has formally established the National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare. The Commission will provide expert guidance to the MHRA on devising a comprehensive framework for the regulation of AI and software as medical devices, to be published in 2026. This marks a strategic move to ensure both the safety and speedy market availability of AI health technologies, reinforcing trust and innovation. The move is particularly notable given the rising importance of AI in clinical settings and the urgency of regulated adoption. The new body is expected to conduct extensive stakeholder consultation, aligning regulatory design with industry innovation, patient safety and ethical standards. The Commission's work will be key in navigating complex challenges such as algorithmic transparency, accountability and the need for interoperability with NHS systems. Overall, the initiative reflects a forward‑looking regulatory approach that combines safeguarding public health with positioning the UK as a global hub for health tech. This deliberate step underscores the Government’s intention to marry innovation with responsibility in healthcare AI. The National Commission’s recommendations are poised to shape the UK’s health AI landscape for years ahead, balancing technological potential with public trust.
The National Commission lays the foundation for a trusted, innovation‑friendly regulatory regime in health AI.
This article has been produced by Generative AI.
