Trusts could face ‘AI readiness’ test

Trusts passing an “AI readiness” test before being allowed to use the technology is one of the ideas being considered by an influential government commission.

The National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare, this week, published meeting minutes that gave clues about what new rules it might propose.

The minutes said discussion papers “outlined proposals to accredit healthcare providers who can demonstrate high levels of ‘AI readiness’ so they can provide earlier access to AI systems and a pathway for deploying earlier-stage AI systems, which maintains healthcare professionals’ confidence.”

It said “AI readiness” would mean healthcare providers being able to show they have “the systems, digital infrastructure, governance and risk frameworks and capabilities in place to deploy AI systems safely”. Digital maturity varies widely across NHS organisations.

The national commission was set up in September to help clarify the confused regulation of approval, deployment and liability in relation to the tools. AI use cases in healthcare range from automating administrative work and ambient voice technology to interpreting test results.

The national commission is chaired by Professor Alastair Denniston. Minutes said he “emphasised throughout the discussion that the proposals were intended to stimulate forward-looking discussions around the possible future regulatory frameworks but were not under active development”.

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Source: 24 April 2026