On February 20, 2024, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) announced a bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to explore ways that Congress can support AI innovation while establishing appropriate guardrails. House leadership appointed 24 members to the task force, including co-chairs Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) and Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA-36). The task force is charged with creating a comprehensive report containing recommendations and policy proposals on how best to govern and regulate AI. Congress has been increasingly focused on the intersection of AI and health care, with both chambers hosting hearings on AI’s impact on health care in recent months. Furthermore, the task force’s announcement follows the recent launch of the House Digital Health Caucus, which will explore AI regulations in health care. The caucus and task force will likely work together to consider policies to regulate AI’s role in health care while still supporting innovation in the space. 

A press release is available here. 

Impact on General Dentistry: AI has the potential to change the operational, clinical, imaging, and research sectors of the health care system, including dentistry. AI tools are primarily being piloted in operational settings to reduce administrative burdens, such as assisting with scheduling and recording patient notes. The Task Force will promote the safe deployment of AI tools that could improve the efficiency, imaging, and diagnostic capabilities in dentistry.