Careful consideration is needed before the approval and use of any AI systems within NSW Health. Strong oversight and clear governance are essential to ensure AI is used safely and delivers the greatest benefit for the health system.
Use of AI within NSW Health must comply with all relevant requirements. Any decision to approve the use of AI within NSW Health must follow advice from the eHealth NSW AI Advisory Service, be documented and clearly articulate:
- how the AI system and proposed use align with the mandatory national and state AI requirements
- how it contributes to value-based healthcare for clinicians, services, patients, families, carers and the broader NSW community
- specific benefits to consumer and community health outcomes and the workforce
- how it will enhance or transform existing approaches to delivering outcomes outlined in NSW Health frameworks, such as Future Health.
NSW Health Artificial Intelligence Taskforce
In response to the gradual introduction of AI in health service delivery, in February 2024, NSW Health established a time-limited taskforce comprised of senior leaders and subject matter experts to inform and guide the use of AI in the public health system.
The taskforce was responsible for developing a strategic and operational framework specific to NSW Health, which builds on existing whole-of-government requirements.
More about the NSW Health AI Taskforce and developing this framework.
eHealth NSW AI Advisory Service
eHealth NSW has established the AI Advisory Service to meet the growing demand for AI across NSW Health. The AI Advisory Service provides a consistent and collaborative framework to support the safe, responsible and effective development of AI initiatives, involving the right stakeholders and partners.
The AI Advisory Service provides comprehensive support across the AI project lifecycle, including the following:
- Assessment and evaluation: guidance on assessing AI proposals and identifying opportunities.
- Compliance and regulatory advice: support to navigate legal, ethical and policy requirements.
- Framework alignment: ensuring projects align with the NSW Government AI Assessment Framework.
- Experimentation and scaling: enabling the development and expansion of proofs of concepts.
- Strategic alignment: helping projects align with statewide priorities and funding opportunities.
- Operational support: assisting NSW Health entities implement the NSW Government AI Assessment Framework.
Who can use the service?
The AI Advisory Service is available to NSW Health entities seeking to:
- explore and discuss current challenges, unmet needs or desired capabilities
- submit AI project proposals to address identified health system needs
- align initiatives with statewide strategic directions and funding pathways
- seek endorsement to progress to proof-of-concept development
- evaluate and receive recommendations on new AI-related requests
- receive expert advice and support to operationalise AI responsibly.
Contact the AI Advisory Service: EHNSW-AI-Advisory@health.nsw.gov.au