AI on Trial: How physicians can stay protected

Deepika Srivastava, chief operating officer at The Doctors Company, says physicians should treat artificial intelligence (AI) tools with the same diligence they apply to any clinical technology — starting with informed consent and documentation.

“It’s our number one thing that we advise our physician community: secure informed consent when AI is used,” Srivastava says. She recommends allowing patients the option to decline AI tools, such as scribes or documentation assistants, and stresses that clinicians should “carefully review the generated notes for accuracy and completeness.”

“The physician remains ultimately responsible,” she adds. “Treat informed consent as a process — do not delegate that.” Srivastava also advises anticipating potential AI-related litigation by documenting clearly, with the understanding that records may one day be reviewed in court.