Patients and the Public
Published 6 October 2026
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The MHRA established the independent National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare in September, bringing together global AI leaders, clinicians and regulators to advise on how the regulatory framework should evolve to be Safe, Fast and Trusted.
Patients and the public have been central to this work. Through extensive research and engagement including public surveys, the Call for Evidence, MHRA’s Patient and Public Committee, deep dive discussions with the Health Foundation, workshops with National Voices and direct engagement with leadership through the Ask Me Anything webinar.
Patients and the public were clear about the changes needed to support the safe and effective use of AI in healthcare. The Commission’s report Recommendations for a future regulatory framework, published in September 2026, responds directly to these priorities. The Government has now accepted the recommendations and will take a coordinated, cross-government approach to implementation.
What this means for you: protecting your safety, strengthening your voice
1. Better care, with people still at its heart
AI should support healthcare professionals and improve care, while keeping your individual needs at the centre of decisions.
2. Safety checks that continue after AI is introduced
Stronger monitoring to identify and act on changes in safety or performance once AI is being used.
3. AI that works for everyone
Greater focus on whether AI works safely and effectively for different people, not simply whether it performs well on average.
4. Clearer information and a stronger voice
Better information about how AI is used in healthcare and more opportunities to influence how it is regulated.
5. Clearer responsibility and support if something goes wrong. Greater clarity about who is responsible for your care and clearer routes to raise concerns and access redress.