National guidance for the responsible and safe use of Artificial Intelligence in health and social care services (29 July 2026)

Summary

This guidance is intended to support services and staff by promoting awareness and good practice about the responsible and safe use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health and social care settings, while educating people who use services on what to expect when AI is used in their care. It is national guidance is intended for use by all health and social care services in Ireland, published by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).

Content

The guidance is structured using HIQA’s four principles for person-centred care and support: accountability, a human rights-based approach, safety and wellbeing, and responsiveness. It includes examples of how services and staff can uphold each principle while using AI, along with practical information relating to topics like governance, transparency and public engagement to help minimise potential risks.

Key points to consider around the four principles in this guidance are as follows:

Accountability

• Governance arrangements are in place to ensure full oversight of the use of AI tools.
• AI tools are used in line with approved policies and procedures.
• The use of AI tools adheres to legal requirements and professional obligations.
• Roles and responsibilities regarding AI tools are defined and clearly understood.
• AI tools support but do not replace human judgment and decision-making.
• There is transparency about the use of AI tools, including appropriate levels of traceability and explainability.

A human rights-based approach

• AI tools are used in a way that is fair, inclusive, accessible and equitable.
• People using services are supported to make informed decisions about the use of AI tools in their care.
• The use of AI tools is in line with policies and procedures that protect privacy and confidentiality.
• Human connection is maintained and care remains person centred.

Safety and wellbeing

• Corporate and clinical governance structures oversee the safety and quality of AI tools.
• AI tools are continuously monitored and evaluated to ensure safety, reliability and accuracy.
• Services have contingencies in place for AI tool failures and incidents are managed to prevent reoccurrence to ensure the continuous delivery of safe care.

Responsiveness

• AI tools with the greatest benefits are incorporated within clinical and operational workflows.
• Staff are educated about AI tools and undertake appropriate training.
• Data entered into AI tools is of high quality to produce reliable and trustworthy outputs.
• The use of AI tools is in line with environmentally sustainable practices