FDA and CMS Seek State Collaboration on Health AI Regulation

Federal health officials from the FDA and CMS are signaling a new push to collaborate with state governments on regulating artificial intelligence in healthcare. The move, reported by STAT, comes as AI tools—from diagnostic algorithms to administrative automation—rapidly proliferate across hospitals and clinics, outpacing existing oversight frameworks. By partnering with states, the agencies aim to create a more unified approach to safety and accountability, acknowledging that state-level experimentation may inform national policy. The discussions also touch on shielding physicians from liability when using AI-assisted decision-making, a key concern as malpractice questions loom. For health systems and tech vendors, this signals a shifting regulatory landscape where compliance may soon require navigating both federal guidance and state-specific rules. The collaboration could accelerate clarity for innovators while raising the stakes for those unprepared. Watch for pilot programs or joint task forces emerging in the coming months as the agencies formalize their partnership.