How Can AI Trigger Disciplinary Action Against My License?

 Posted on November 25,2024 in Professional License Defense

As artificial intelligence becomes more mainstream, professionals across the spectrum are finding uses for the technology. AI tools have become especially useful in the medical field, where physicians, dentists, social workers, chiropractors, psychologists, nurses, and other professionals employ programs to help them run their practices. However, mainstream AI technology is still being developed and can sometimes be significantly flawed.

When these flaws affect a medical professional’s practice, it can trigger an investigation by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Depending on the investigation’s findings, the IDFPR may take disciplinary action like license suspension or revocation. For more information about how you can prevent or fight disciplinary action against your license, contact a qualified Illinois professional license defense attorney.

How Do Medical Professionals Use AI in Their Practices?

AI tools can be extremely useful for medical professionals, particularly in busy practices. Use cases include:

• Clinical decisions: AI programs can help analyze patient data, diagnose patients, and recommend treatment plans. Some AI algorithms can help detect abnormalities in imaging like X-rays.

• Documentation: Medical professionals use AI tools to assist with documentation such as organizing and updating patient records, billing, scheduling, and claims management. A program called Nuance Dragon Ambient Experience (DAX) Copilot can document patient encounters in real time.

• Patient engagement: AI programs like chatbots and virtual assistants help medical professionals engage with patients by answering questions, sending reminders, and making assessments.

• Research: A medical professional might use AI algorithms to research and summarize clinical studies for assistance in making diagnoses or prescribing certain medications.

How Can AI Trigger Disciplinary Action Against Medical Professionals?

While using AI can be a major help to medical practices, even slight mistakes can result in IDFPR investigations and disciplinary action. For example:

• Decision-making errors: Using AI to assist with diagnostics, diagnoses, and treatment plans can be a good idea as long as professionals do not rely on it. A mistake in any of these tasks can cause serious patient harm. Furthermore, a professional who relies on AI for decision-making may be accused of ethics violations.

• Faulty research: AI programs can be helpful in finding the latest research on a certain condition or drug. However, some tools like ChatGPT have been found to cite non-existent legal cases and medical studies. If a healthcare professional makes a decision based on faulty or false research, it can cause major complications and patient harm.

• Privacy and security breaches: Patient privacy is an integral part of medicine. AI tools that are hacked or misused can end up compromising patient data and violating HIPPA privacy laws. They can also lead to security breaches which may run afoul of data security laws and regulations like GDPR.

• Unauthorized practice: Medical professionals are prohibited from practicing outside their license or jurisdiction. Some AI tools can lead to professionals performing tasks outside the scope of their license or area, particularly in telemedicine.

Contact an Illinois Professional License Defense Attorney

Given that AI technology is used in medical practices more than ever, the potential risks to a medical practitioner’s license are high. Protect your license and your reputation by contacting The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc.. Attorney Jay Bogdan is a lawyer and licensed pharmacist who understands the challenges medical professionals face and has experience dealing with the IDFPR. Get a free consultation with an Illinois professional license defense lawyer today by calling 630-310-1267 now.