New ACP paper addresses ethical use of AI in medical practice

PHILADELPHIA, August 31, 2026 - A new ethics paper from the American College of Physicians (ACP) says that while the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical practice can improve health care efficiency and quality, the use of AI must be grounded in clinical integrity and professionalism. "Ethics and Professionalism in Artificial Intelligence: A Position Paper from the American College of Physicians" is published in Annals of Internal Medicine. The paper outlines three guideposts for the ethical use of AI in medical practice: Rationality, Self-Governance, and Competence.

Artificial intelligence is being rapidly adopted in health care, yet there has not been consensus on guidance around issues such as privacy, disclosure, and fairness. As AI becomes more integrated into patient care, physicians and patients need practical ethical guidance to help ensure these technologies are used responsibly, equitably, and in ways that support high-quality, patient-centered care.

In this paper, ACP outlines key principles for the responsible use of AI in health care, emphasizing that these tools should support the patient-physician relationship, augment clinical decision-making and medical education, and be used in ways that preserve physician judgment and promote equitable patient care. The paper also highlights the importance of ensuring AI is implemented responsibly across health care settings.

"Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve how physicians deliver care, but its use must reflect the standards of professionalism, accountability and ethics that are fundamental to patient care," said Jan K. Carney, MD, MPH, MACP, president of ACP. "As physicians and health systems continue to integrate AI into medical practice, we have a responsibility to ensure these tools are used thoughtfully, responsibly, and in the best interests of patients."

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into health care, ACP encourages physicians to leverage its potential to improve patient outcomes while ensuring its use remains grounded in ethical principles and professional responsibility. ACP says thoughtful AI implementation can help advance patient care, strengthen clinical decision-making and preserve the central role of the patient-physician relationship.

###

About the American College of Physicians
The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 172 countries worldwide. ACP membership includes 163,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow ACP on X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our RSS feed.

Contact: Lori Bookbinder, 215-351-2431, [email protected]