KevinMD January 9, 2026
Harvey Castro, MD, MBA

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly entering clinical spaces, and ChatGPT is among the tools drawing increasing interest. Hospitals recognize their potential to reduce administrative burden, improve communication, and support clinical decision-making.

But with this potential comes responsibility. Deploying large language models (LLMs) in health care without proper oversight can lead to misinformation, privacy breaches, and erosion of patient trust. Before implementation, hospitals must establish a framework grounded in safety, ethics, and clinical governance.

Here are five essential safety protocols every hospital should implement before integrating ChatGPT into clinical care.

1. Data privacy and security

AI systems may process sensitive health information to provide relevant responses. Ensuring data remains secure and compliant with HIPAA and other regulations is non-negotiable. Patients must...

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Topics: AI (Artificial Intelligence), Health System / Hospital, Healthcare System, Provider, Safety, Technology
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