When health data meets artificial intelligence, questions naturally arise about security, compliance, and patient rights. GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) sets the framework for how this data may be processed in the EU.
Health Data is Specially Protected
Under GDPR, health data is classified as 'special categories of personal data'. This means that processing requires a valid legal basis beyond consent - typically the consideration of significant public interests in the field of public health.
Requirements for AI Solutions in Healthcare
- Data processing agreement with the provider
- Impact assessment (DPIA) in high-risk cases
- Documentation of purpose and legal basis
- Security measures such as encryption
- Limiting data access to necessary personnel
Patient Rights
Patients have the right to access, rectification, and in certain cases deletion of their data. When using AI, it must be transparent how data is used, and patients must be informed about automated decisions.
Compliance Checklist
1) Verify provider certifications, 2) Review the data processing agreement, 3) Update your privacy policy, 4) Inform patients about AI use