First complaints made over clinician use of AI

The first complaints about the alleged inappropriate use of AI by clinicians have been received by professional regulators, HSJ can reveal.

The General Medical Council received eight complaints against the same number of individual doctors in 2025. It received a further six complaints concerning five individual doctors in the first half of 2026.

Two of the 2025 complaints progressed to investigation, with one still ongoing and one closed. The other six complaints were closed at triage.

The  Nursing and Midwifery Council saw its first four referrals in 2025 and has received one to date in 2026. All the complaints involve different registrants. One of the referrals has progressed to a full investigation.

In response to this new class of complaint, The GMC has published guidance which states: “Doctors, physician associates, and anaesthesia associates are responsible for the decisions they take when using new technologies like AI, and the principles in our professional standards continue to apply.

“For example, it’s important to discuss the use of innovative technologies with patients, what other options may be available and any uncertainties and limitations, so they can make informed decisions. This is in line with the principles set out in good medical practice  and our guidance on decision making and consent.”

Organisations, in contrast, would be responsible if, for example, AI was used to share data inappropriately via electronic patients records. However, there remain considerable grey areas in what is a fast-developing field and Alastair Denniston’s review on AI regulation commissioned by government is considering this and is due to report this summer.  

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Source: HSJ, 6 July 2026