The Coalition for Health AI and the National Association of Community Health Centers have recently announced an exciting partnership that aims to assist safety-net providers in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. CHAI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing guidelines for AI implementation in the healthcare sector, will collaborate with NACHC to develop standards specifically tailored for community health centers and other low-resource providers. This partnership will include the creation of educational programs, as well as research to validate AI tools for use in safety-net settings.
One of the primary goals of this partnership is to address the challenges faced by healthcare providers in implementing AI technology. While AI holds great promise in addressing issues such as administrative burdens, workforce shortages, and the increasing demand for healthcare services, its implementation can be complex. It requires significant human resources, technical expertise, governance planning, and ongoing oversight to ensure that AI algorithms perform effectively. This can be particularly challenging for providers operating with limited resources and tight budgets.
To help alleviate some of these barriers, CHAI and NACHC plan to develop an “AI in Healthcare for the Safety Net” curriculum. This program will educate clinicians and healthcare leaders at community health centers about AI and offer certification for vendors seeking to provide AI solutions in these settings. The organizations will also conduct research to examine the impact of AI on health outcomes in community health centers.
Dr. Brian Anderson, President and CEO of CHAI, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it will facilitate the widespread adoption of AI in healthcare, regardless of population, geographic location, or financial constraints. Additionally, NACHC will participate in a CHAI initiative focused on exploring how AI technologies can support Medicaid enrollment following the recent changes brought about by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
This collaboration with NACHC follows CHAI’s previous partnership with the Joint Commission to develop guidelines for deploying AI tools in healthcare. With over 3,000 healthcare and technology member organizations, CHAI is committed to advancing the use of AI in healthcare and improving outcomes for patients across the country. The partnership with NACHC represents a significant step forward in achieving these goals and ensuring that AI technology is accessible and beneficial to all healthcare providers, regardless of their resources.
