The White House’s recent release of “America’s AI Action Plan” has drawn mixed but largely optimistic reactions from hospital and health system CIOs, who see it as both a strategic opportunity and a call for careful implementation.
The 25-page plan, issued in July, aims to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption in healthcare through innovation, workforce development and regulatory reforms. It highlights healthcare as being “especially slow to adopt” AI due to regulatory complexity and mistrust of automation, and recommends creating environments to pilot AI tools in partnership with agencies such as the FDA.
Omer Awan, CIO and vice president of Seattle-based Fred Hutch Cancer Center, characterized the strategy as “a clear signal to accelerate AI integration across research, clinical care and operations.” He emphasized the importance of scalable AI pilots, workforce training and modernizing data infrastructure to align with evolving federal standards.
“The near-term impact would include innovation in diagnostics, clinical decision support and administrative automation,” Mr. Awan told Becker’s. “We need to build internal capabilities across clinical, technical and operational teams while strengthening AI governance frameworks.”
At Seattle Children’s, Zafar Chaudry, MD, chief AI and digital officer and senior vice president, described the plan as “a powerful endorsement and catalyst” for the health system’s AI efforts. He noted that clearer regulatory guidance would help “streamline the ethical and safe deployment of AI in patient care and research.”
But not all responses were fully enthusiastic.
Mark Combs, CIO of Baltimore-based Sheppard Pratt, offered a more cautious view.
“I’m energized by the potential of AI to improve care delivery — but equally concerned about accelerated adoption without adequate regulation,” Mr. Combs told Becker’s.
He stressed the need for guardrails to ensure platforms are vetted for bias, privacy and clinical efficacy, especially in sensitive areas such as mental health.
Muhammad Siddiqui, CIO of Richmond, Ind.-based Reid Health, said the federal strategy “signals real opportunity” but acknowledged that public comfort with AI remains uneven.
“We need to listen closely, respond empathetically and build trust at every step,” he told Becker’s.
In more rural settings, leaders see AI not just as an opportunity, but a necessity.
Darrell Bodnar, CIO of Whitefield, N.H.-based North Country Health, called AI “a lifeline” for health systems facing workforce shortages and outdated processes.
“AI has the potential to eliminate waste and free up time so our employees can focus on what matters most — the patients and communities we serve,” Mr. Bodnar told Becker’s.
He welcomed the federal plan’s emphasis on innovation, workforce development and smart regulation as a “welcome shift” that could help rural providers lead in AI adoption.
As hospitals and health systems evaluate the White House’s call to action, CIOs agree the challenge will be balancing rapid innovation with patient safety, transparency and trust.
“This is a transformative moment,” Mr. Bodnar added. “We can’t afford to fall behind.”
