PSA and 38 health and social care regulators and registers issue joint statement of intent on the regulation of AI in healthcare

The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA), alongside 10 statutory health and social care regulators and the Accredited Registers Collaborative (ARC), has published a joint statement of intent outlining plans to develop common principles for regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across health and social care in the UK.

Announced on 17 September 2026, the initiative brings together 38 regulators and accredited registers in a coordinated effort to support the safe, effective and ethical adoption of AI technologies while maintaining public confidence and patient protection. The organisations say the move is intended to create greater consistency across the regulatory landscape as AI becomes increasingly integrated into professional practice.

The joint statement follows recommendations from the National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare, which called for a regulatory framework that is safe, trusted and able to keep pace with rapid technological developments. The Commission highlighted that the governance of AI is a shared responsibility across the health and care system, including professional regulators and practitioners.

Under the plans, the PSA and participating organisations will work together to develop a set of high-level principles to guide professionals in the use of AI. The collaboration aims to balance the opportunities offered by emerging technologies with safeguards designed to protect patients and the public.

Caroline Corby, Chair of the PSA, said effective regulation could not be developed in isolation and stressed the importance of coordination across the regulatory system. She said public and professional confidence in AI depends on appropriate safeguards, accountability and consistent expectations around its use.

The PSA and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are co-chairing a dedicated Task and Finish Group that brings together professional regulators and the Accredited Registers Collaborative. The newly published statement is described as an early outcome of that work.

Regulatory leaders from organisations including the General Medical Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, Health and Care Professions Council, General Pharmaceutical Council, General Dental Council and General Optical Council backed the initiative, emphasising the need for clarity, transparency and accountability as AI becomes more widely used across healthcare settings.

The organisations agreed that while AI has the potential to improve patient care, support professionals and increase efficiency, professional judgement and responsibility must remain central to decision-making. They also highlighted the importance of maintaining public trust through clear expectations about how AI is used in practice.

In a joint commitment, the PSA and participating regulators said they will continue working towards a consistent regulatory approach that supports innovation while ensuring patient safety, ethical practice and public protection remain at the heart of healthcare delivery.

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