UK commission sets path for healthcare AI regulation

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency launched the National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare on 26 September 2025 as an expert, non-statutory advisory body. The group brought together global AI leaders, clinicians and regulators to advise government on how healthcare AI should be regulated, including AI-enabled medical devices, accountability, transparency, clinical practice, organisational governance and system-wide assurance.

On 10 September 2026, the Commission published Recommendations for a future regulatory framework, concluding that regulation and assurance for healthcare AI should become more proportionate, lifecycle-based and system-wide. The work was informed by UK-wide research and engagement, including an open Call for Evidence from December 2025 to February 2026, public deliberation with The Health Foundation and targeted engagement supported by National Voices.

The government response, published on 6 October 2026, accepts all 44 recommendations and sets out priorities for implementation. Planned steps include developing a proportionate, risk- and lifecycle-based regulatory framework, clarifying responsibilities for safe management of AI across the health system and improving trust, transparency and predictability for patients, healthcare professionals, providers and industry.