Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly entering clinical spaces, and ChatGPT is among the tools drawing increasing interest. Hospitals recognize their potential to reduce administrative burden, improve communication, and support clinical decision-making.

But with this potential comes responsibility. Deploying large language models (LLMs) in health care without proper oversight can lead to misinformation, privacy breaches, and erosion of patient trust. Before implementation, hospitals must establish a framework grounded in safety, ethics, and clinical governance.

Here are five essential safety protocols every hospital should implement before integrating ChatGPT into clinical care.

1. Data privacy and security

AI systems may process sensitive health information to provide relevant responses. Ensuring data remains secure and compliant with HIPAA and other regulations is non-negotiable. Patients must have confidence that their information is protected, especially when AI tools are involved.

• Use encryption for both data storage and transmission.
• Limit access to authorized personnel only.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.

2. Clinical oversight

ChatGPT can assist with generating clinical content, but it cannot replace clinical judgment. All outputs intended for clinical use should be reviewed by licensed professionals before they are acted upon or shared with patients. Ultimately, clinicians must remain responsible for assessing, interpreting, and deciding on patient care.

• Incorporate human-in-the-loop review processes.
• Define which clinical scenarios are appropriate for AI support.
• Establish escalation pathways for situations that are uncertain or high risk.

3. Simulated testing

Before going live, AI tools should be rigorously tested in controlled, simulated environments. Pilot testing is a critical step in minimizing downstream harm.

• Use de-identified patient cases to evaluate the system’s behavior.
• Include a variety of clinical scenarios, including rare conditions and diverse patient populations.
• Involve a multidisciplinary review team, including clinicians, data scientists, and ethicists, to identify bias, blind spots, or other risks.

4. Transparent use policies

Patients and providers deserve to know when AI is part of the conversation. Transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of care.

• Label AI-generated content clearly, especially in patient-facing materials.
• Develop internal-use guidelines for staff that define when and how ChatGPT can be used.
• Provide patients with the ability to opt out of AI-assisted communication when appropriate.

5. Continuous monitoring

AI systems evolve, and so do clinical environments. Hospitals must continuously monitor AI tools like ChatGPT to ensure they remain accurate, relevant, and safe. Responsible AI doesn’t end at deployment; it requires long-term vigilance.

• Track usage trends and review output for clinical accuracy and potential bias.
• Establish a feedback system for clinicians to flag problematic outputs.
• Conduct regular audits and update the system to reflect the latest clinical guidelines and best practices.

Moving forward

ChatGPT and other AI tools hold promise for easing clinician burden, enhancing communication, and improving operational efficiency. But meaningful integration requires more than enthusiasm; it requires structure, oversight, and an unwavering commitment to patient safety.

Hospitals that invest in these safety protocols now will be better equipped to implement AI in ways that truly support both clinicians and the communities they serve.

Harvey Castro is a physician, health care consultant, and serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in the health care industry. He can be reached on his websites, www.harveycastromd.com and ChatGPT Health, X @HarveycastroMD, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

He is the author of Bing Copilot and Other LLM: Revolutionizing Healthcare With AI, Solving Infamous Cases with Artificial Intelligence, The AI-Driven Entrepreneur: Unlocking Entrepreneurial Success with Artificial Intelligence Strategies and Insights, ChatGPT and Healthcare: The Key To The New Future of Medicine, ChatGPT and Healthcare: Unlocking The Potential Of Patient Empowerment, Revolutionize Your Health and Fitness with ChatGPT’s Modern Weight Loss Hacks, Success Reinvention, and Apple Vision Healthcare Pioneers: A Community for Professionals & Patients.