H.R. 7064 — AI in Health Care Efficiency and Study Act

This section states congressional findings that (1) administrative and clerical work contribute significantly to health care costs and provider burnout; (2) artificial intelligence technologies can streamline clerical work and recordkeeping, allowing providers more time with patients; and (3) protecting patient privacy and complying with regulations under section 264 of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 are essential for developing and deploying artificial intelligence tools in health care.

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study, to be completed not later than 18 months after enactment, on strategies for applying artificial intelligence technologies across the health care industry—including health care providers and health plans as defined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA, 42 U.S.C. 1320d) and covered entities and business associates as defined in regulations—to improve administrative and clerical processes and protect patient data privacy and security in Department of Health and Human Services programs. The study must evaluate existing strategies and identify new ones to (1) reduce administrative burdens in tasks such as scheduling, claims processing, documentation, and prior authorizations; (2) enhance accuracy, timeliness, and interoperability of patient records including electronic health records; (3) ensure patient data privacy, security, and integrity, including HIPAA compliance and National Institute of Standards and Technology standards; and (4) detect, prevent, and mitigate cybersecurity threats such as ransomware and data breaches. In conducting the study, the Secretary must consult with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Institutes of Health, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, Office for Civil Rights, and experts from academia, artificial intelligence developers, civil rights organizations, health care providers, hospital associations, information technology vendors, nonprofit research institutions, and patient privacy advocates. Not later than six months after completing the study, the Secretary must submit a report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions containing the study's findings (including risks, opportunities, and challenges), an assessment of existing artificial intelligence tools, recommendations for Department-led research and pilot programs, and policy options for Congress and the Secretary.