On October 13, ADLM convened a congressional briefing focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare and the policy changes needed to ensure the technology is used responsibly, effectively, and ethically. The discussion brought together leading ADLM experts in laboratory medicine and pediatric healthcare to examine how AI is transforming clinical laboratories, supporting diagnostic decision-making, and reshaping patient care.
Speakers included Dr. Dennis J. Dietzen, chair of pathology and laboratory medicine, Phoenix Children’s Hospital; Dr. Sarah Wheeler, clinical pathology medical director, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh; and Dr. Stephen Master, vice chair for innovation, department of pathology and laboratory medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Throughout the briefing, the speakers described how AI is being used to analyze complex healthcare data, improve laboratory workflows, support disease detection, and enhance clinical decision-making. They underscored the opportunities and limitations associated with healthcare AI. They emphasized that AI should support, rather than replace, the expertise of healthcare professionals and that policies must be designed to promote innovation while protecting patients.
A key focus of the briefing was the impact of AI on pediatric healthcare. Using examples from children’s hospitals and laboratory medicine, speakers highlighted how AI may help improve pediatric diagnosis and care, while cautioning the risks of applying AI technology developed using datasets, including pediatric reference intervals (PRIs), that may not accurately represent children. This discussion reinforced the need for policies that support equitable access to AI-driven innovations and ensure that pediatric populations are considered during the development and evaluation of these tools.
ADLM will continue to engage Congress and federal policymakers on issues related to healthcare innovation, laboratory medicine, and children’s health.