AI can make everyday tasks easier and faster, but it also introduces risks that practices need to manage. Without appropriate safeguards, the use of AI can expose protected health information, personally identifiable information, financial records, intellectual property and other sensitive data. AI-generated information may also require appropriate review before practices use it to make decisions or support operations. Practices need clear guidelines for how AI can be used responsibly and where additional safeguards or oversight may be needed.

This playbook offers a practical framework for doing that, from evaluating potential uses and establishing appropriate boundaries to helping employees make responsible day-to-day decisions.

Use it to:

• Assess your AI environment. Identify which tools are in use, how they are being used and where information or other risks could be exposed.
• Define appropriate use cases. Connect AI adoption to specific business needs and evaluate each use case before implementation.
• Establish clear boundaries. Document approved tools, prohibited information and activities that require additional review.
• Protect sensitive information. Strengthen safeguards for PHI, PII, financial records, intellectual property and other organizational data.
• Align access with employee responsibilities. Limit information and AI capabilities according to employees’ roles.
• Manage AI-related risk. Establish expectations for human review and appropriate oversight, particularly when AI output could affect patients, employees, finances or organizational decisions.
• Prepare employees to use AI responsibly. Explain the risks, reinforce accountability and encourage prompt reporting of mistakes or potential exposures.

Every practice will be at a different point with AI. Whether you’re just beginning to ask questions or already have policies and approved tools in place, this playbook can help you focus on what needs attention now and build from there as your use of AI evolves.