UK Launches National Commission to Accelerate Safe NHS AI Access

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has established the UK National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare to advise on rewriting the regulatory framework for AI in the NHS, with the new rulebook expected in 2026. The commission includes experts from big tech companies like Google and Microsoft, alongside clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates, aiming to accelerate safe access to AI tools such as ambient voice technology that assists doctors by reducing administrative tasks. Early trials indicate these AI assistants can improve efficiency, allowing clinicians to spend more time with patients and see more cases in emergency departments. The commission will also clarify regulations for AI applications in radiology, pathology, and remote patient monitoring to support virtual care. This initiative supports the UK government's broader Plan for Change and 10-Year Health Plan for England, aiming to make the NHS a global leader in AI-enabled healthcare while fostering economic growth in the life sciences sector. Officials emphasize that the updated framework will balance innovation speed with safety and public trust to ensure patients benefit quickly and securely from AI advancements.