The Beijing municipal government has introduced new regulations to limit the use of AI in healthcare, specifically targeting the automated creation of medical prescriptions, and is soliciting public input until mid-September. These rules also stipulate qualifications and experience requirements for healthcare professionals to ensure that human doctors remain central to diagnosis and treatment. This move reflects China's cautious approach to regulating generative AI, following national guidelines that emphasize adhering to core values and avoiding content that threatens national security. Beijing's Health Commission plans to create an online oversight platform for monitoring and regulating online healthcare services, promoting the use of AI and big data for analysis and oversight.

Why does it matter?

These regulations matter because they address fundamental issues related to patient safety, responsible technology use, and the balance between human expertise and AI in healthcare. They also reflect a broader societal and governmental interest in managing the impact of AI and ensuring that its development aligns with national values and priorities.