Ottawa, Canada – Today, UL Standards & Engagement announced the release of a new guidance document developed in partnership with the Standards Council of Canada examining the impacts of artificial intelligence on healthcare, health informatics, and overall human well-being.
ULSE was selected by SCC last year to convene stakeholders and lead the development of the document. The resulting document was informed by convening experts from across healthcare, technology, and standards communities to examine emerging opportunities and challenges associated with AI. The document – titled a Workshop Agreement – sets a framework to facilitate the development of standards in these areas.
The document identifies emerging risks, opportunities, and areas where standards and guidance can help support the responsible development and use of AI in applications that affect human health and well-being. The initiative is part of SCC’s broader Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance Standardization Program, launched in response to Canada’s Digital Charter and the Canadian Data Governance Standardization Roadmap.
The Workshop Agreement is an early-stage effort to move toward further safety efforts, including opportunities for standards development. Specific recommendations in the agreement include:
- Improved transparency of wellness and healthcare AI systems and/or datasets.
- Development of more clinically meaningful AI system evaluations.
- Guidance on safer generative AI chatbot interactions.
“As AI and other emerging technologies evolve, it is critical that we anticipate the safety risks they may create,” said Glauci Fernandes, senior manager of standards programs at UL Standards & Engagement. “This work is the beginning of how we can bring diverse perspectives to the table to develop practical, forward-looking guidance to support more responsible use and development of AI in health and wellness.”
As part of its scope with SCC, ULSE conducted a literature review and hazards analysis examining potential risks associated with the intersection of AI and human health. In June, ULSE convened a workshop bringing together subject matter experts, industry representatives, and other stakeholders from 19 organizations. The guidance document builds on this work by providing a clear set of guidance and emphasizes the need for consensus-based standards as AI technology evolves.
“The insights generated through this work provide a valuable foundation for continued dialogue and clear opportunities for collaboration on standards that will contribute to AI safety in healthcare and beyond,” said Noel Corriveau, manager, AI policies and programs, standardization services at Standards Council of Canada.
The document can be viewed here.
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About UL Standards & Engagement
UL Standards & Engagement is a nonprofit organization that translates safety science into action through standards development, partnerships, and advocacy. Since 1903, we have developed nearly 1,700 standards and guidance documents for products ranging from fire doors to autonomous vehicles. ULSE enables innovation and grows trust by convening experts and informing policymakers and regulators as we work toward a safer, more secure and sustainable future. Visit ULSE.org for more information.
About the Standards Council of Canada
The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is a Crown corporation that oversees Canada’s national standardization network. SCC promotes efficient and effective standardization in Canada and represents Canadian interests in international and regional standards development. Its work helps support a safe, sustainable and prosperous Canada.