The government has confirmed it will accept all 44 recommendations made by the National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare.
The CSP joined other health bodies, AI experts and patients in contributing to a consultation which fed into the recommendations for a future regulatory framework for AI in healthcare.
The Commission states that AI should ‘augment, rather than replace healthcare professionals’ and that patients value continued human oversight, compassion and shared decision-making, which aligns with the CSP’s position.
Helen Sharma, CSP’s Head of Practice Improvement, said: 'Physiotherapy has much to gain from the appropriate use of AI, and we want the profession to be at the forefront of understanding and harnessing its potential.'
But innovation must go hand in hand with safety: AI needs to be used responsibly, with robust safeguards to protect patients, reduce the risk of widening health inequalities and maintain trust in healthcare. The proposed regulatory framework recognises our concerns.
Regulatory process
The Commission's report calls for a commitment to AI device regulation that both supports innovation while maintaining patient safety and public trust.
A key part of this is moving towards ongoing assessment of AI-enabled medical devices, allowing their performance to be monitored in real-world use and over time, rather than relying on a one-off assessment.
Commenting on this aspect of the report, Helen said:
Regulatory approval of an AI device must not be confused with the autonomy of a regulated healthcare professional, and this is supported by the Commission.
'Physiotherapists are personally accountable through professional regulation, CPD requirements, professional standards and fitness-to-practice processes and we welcome the report's call for clearer liability arrangements, organisational governance and accountability through the AI lifecycle.’
Evidence based practice
Speaking on behalf of the CSP, Helen added:
In particular, we welcome the recognition that AI-enabled medical devices should be assessed and monitored continuously.
'To ensure AI-enabled devices remain safe, effective, inclusive and appropriate, they need to be regularly evaluated in real-world settings. This will require a stronger evidence base to inform regulatory decisions throughout their lifecycle.'
Workforce readiness
As part of the consultation, the CSP requested more focus on capability and infrastructure in the healthcare workforce.
The Commission also recognises that healthcare professionals need the right framework to use AI safely and effectively, including clear guidance, appropriate training and support, effective mechanisms for raising concerns, and greater clarity about accountability and responsibilities.
Addressing inequalities
The CSP, along with others, raised the concerns around potential exclusion and increased inequity from the use of AI in healthcare. The Commission sets out that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) 'should work with partners to provide guidance for manufacturers on how to demonstrate that their software and AI-enabled medical devices are safe and deliver equitable performance and care outcomes for diverse population groups.'
AI products and indemnity
The CSP also raised the challenge of indemnity and responsibility with AI-enabled devices and products. It is a step on the right direction that the Commission calls for a culture in which 'manufacturers take primary responsibility for compliance, quality management and post-market surveillance, supported by clear regulatory expectations and engagement from the MHRA.'
A full implementation roadmap will be published by Spring 2027. In the meantime, members are encouraged to use the CSP's AI principles when considering the implementation of AI in their workplace or place of study.
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