Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health network, recently announced that it has become the first healthcare network in the country to earn The Joint Commission’s Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare (RUAIH) Certification. The recognition honors Hackensack Meridian Health as a nationwide leader in the safe and ethical usage of artificial intelligence to assist the hospital’s operations and care for patients.
Hackensack Meridian Health has long been committed to implementing AI in ways that can enhance the overall experience for patients. Receiving the recognition from Joint Commission shows that Hackensack Meridian Health has handled the rapidly evolving technology in a responsible and effective way, helping work towards their goals of increasing quality care for patients.
“At Hackensack Meridian Health, we are committed to integrating AI responsibly and safely across our health network to advance the way we deliver care,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health. “AI has the potential to help clinicians detect diseases earlier, personalize treatment for every patient, improve the efficiency of our hospitals, and reduce administrative work that contributes to burnout. Most importantly, it enables physicians, nurses and team members to spend more time caring for patients.”
Through the use of a formal AI governance structure, Hackensack Meridian Health uses data security and privacy protections with constant evaluation and monitoring of AI to ensure its safety and quality are up to the standards of the health system. Hackensack Meridian Health utilizes role-specific AI training and overall AI literacy to allow staff to properly explain the tools being used to patients.
“AI continues to rapidly transform the healthcare industry, helping healthcare organizations improve clinical decision-making, enhance operational efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and support patient care,” said Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, chief nursing executive and executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations, Joint Commission. “Organizations must ensure the use of AI is guided by strong governance, rigorous oversight, and an unwavering focus on patient safety. Joint Commission commends HMH for demonstrating a responsible approach to AI adoption while advancing innovation in patient care.”
The Joint Commission examined several different aspects that are integral to the responsible use of AI in healthcare. After looking over how Hackensack Meridian Health fares amongst the different criteria, they were awarded the certification.
To learn more about the Joint Commission’s Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare Certification, visit Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare | Joint Commission.