AI for better care: Our commitment to using AI responsibly

As AI continues to evolve, it’s critical that safeguards are put in place to ensure it is being used responsibly, fairly and ethically, especially when applied to something as personal as health care. For employers, brokers and consultants, this means carefully considering and understanding how AI is being leveraged and governed by benefits’ vendors and carriers before making any selections.

UnitedHealth Group and its businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, recognize its collective responsibility as a leading health care company to hold itself to the highest standards, which led to the establishment of its comprehensive Responsible Artificial Intelligence (RAI) program. This program works to guide the development, deployment and maintenance of AI across the enterprise to ensure it is designed and used fairly and ethically.

Employers, brokers and consultants considering UnitedHealthcare may feel more assured knowing that AI is being continuously evaluated and monitored by a review board comprised of senior leaders with diverse expertise, including clinicians, clinical ethicists, business leaders and experts in analytics, technology, legal, compliance, regulatory and privacy matters, through the lens of these 6 guiding principles:

1. Reliability & Quality: The organization emphasizes the importance of testing and monitoring AI solutions to ensure they perform reliably and meet quality expectations. This involves oversight to guarantee that AI solutions fulfill their intended purposes.
2. Fairness: UnitedHealth Group is committed to assessing AI solutions for potential bias and ensuring they treat all individuals fairly. This includes evaluating the impact of AI on vulnerable groups and those at risk of exclusion from the health care system, which helps promote equity in health care delivery.
3. Accountability: The organization acknowledges its accountability for the AI solutions it implements. This involves establishing processes, governance structures and monitoring mechanisms to address issues or adverse outcomes promptly. Importantly, AI solutions are not intended to replace clinical judgment but rather to support decision-making.
4. Transparency: Transparency and explainability are critical components of UnitedHealth Group's approach to AI. The organization monitors the use of AI across its operations to understand how AI solutions are used and how they operate, fostering trust and clarity in AI-driven processes.
5. Privacy & Security: UnitedHealth Group prioritizes the safeguarding of data privacy and security in the design, deployment and use of AI solutions. The organization adheres to its longstanding privacy and security practices, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and policy requirements.
6. Continuous improvement: Recognizing the rapidly evolving AI landscape, UnitedHealth Group is committed to continuously improving its processes and practices. This includes staying abreast of industry best practices and regulatory guidance to ensure its AI solutions remain effective and responsible.