AI and Nursing - Ethical and Legal Implications of AI Use

What you'll learn

Course overview

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into everyday healthcare practices. This includes applications such as clinical alerts, documentation tools, imaging support, chatbots, and predictive risk models. While these technologies can enhance efficiency and aid clinical decision-making, they also raise significant ethical, legal, and professional questions for nurses and other healthcare professionals. This course delves into the ethical principles, legal standards, regulatory frameworks, and professional responsibilities that govern the use of AI in healthcare. Participants will explore issues related to patient consent, transparency, bias, accountability, privacy, documentation, and clinical judgment. The course will also provide an overview of key U.S. regulatory bodies and guidance, including HIPAA, the FDA, ONC, OCR, NIST, and developing state-level AI laws. By the end of the course, participants will have a practical framework for evaluating AI-supported tools, effectively communicating with patients, documenting clinical reasoning, escalating concerns, and using AI in ways that promote safe, ethical, equitable, and patient-centered care.