Establishment of Regulatory Framework for Use of AI in Medicine
On February 27, 2026, Brazil’s Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) introduced Resolution No. 2,454/2026, a comprehensive framework regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare that is set to take effect in August 2026. The resolution establishes that AI should serve as a support tool rather than replace physician judgment, while reaffirming that doctors remain ultimately responsible for clinical decisions and patient care. Physicians are permitted to use AI for clinical, research, and administrative purposes but are also expected to critically evaluate AI-generated recommendations, document AI use in patient records, protect patient data privacy, and report system failures or misuse. The framework also protects physicians by allowing them to refuse unreliable or noncompliant AI systems and limiting liability when AI failures occur despite responsible use.
Additional information is available at https://www.mattosfilho.com.br/en/unico/brazilian-council-ai-medicine/?dm_i=CUG,96BKJ,NXY0VV,12GKKS,1,0,0,0
Need for Clarity Recommended for Role of Physician Associates
A lack of clarity around the role and function of physician associates (PAs) in Irish healthcare has resulted in ‘avoidable risk,’ an independent review has found. However, the report found that, in the small number of clinical teams who have PAs, feedback on their contribution was positive.
The review concluded that the primary purpose of the PA role in Ireland is ‘to assist the medical team in its provision of care to patients, by supporting the organization, coordination and continuity of medical care, and by carrying out defined clinical tasks and procedures under a medical practitioner’s supervision or oversight’.
The review emphasized that the PA is not a substitute for a doctor and should not be rostered as such. It called for a core PA scope of practice, an extended scope of practice that includes higher-risk activities that need more extensive.’raining, and an exclusions list which details that must not be delegated to PAs due to ‘legal restriction, required medical expertise, or patient safety consideration’. These would include diagnosis, prescribing medications, and ordering ionizing radiation. Each PA should have a consultant supervisor, while there should be national oversight to ensure consistent implementation of the PA’s function.
The review recommends that initial deployment be primarily within the medical and surgical functions of acute hospitals, where the role has demonstrated value and governance structures can be consistently applied.
Publishing the review, the Health Service Executive said it will be working with clinical leaders, professional bodies, and stakeholders to implement its recommendations.
Additional information is available at https://www.rte.ie/news/health/2026/0506/1571896-physician-associates-hiring-pause/ and the full review is available at https://about.hse.ie/api/v2/download-file/file_based_publications/Report_of_the_Independent_Review_of_the_PA_Role_in_the_Irish_Pub_mTb6wA5.pdf/
Guidance on Using AI in Patient Care
In March 2026, the Medical Council of New Zealand published guidance to help doctors understand their professional responsibilities when using AI in patient care.
The guidance, which is titled “Guidance on Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Patient Care,” emphasizes that AI must be used ethically and responsibly to protect patient safety and the privacy of health information. It applies to AI integrated into medical devices and healthcare technologies, AI-powered scribing tools for clinical notes, and systems that manage clinical inboxes or test results that may affect patient care. While the guidance does not address AI used solely for administrative or operational purposes unrelated to patient care, it notes that such systems should still follow principles of transparency, data security, and privacy protection.
The full document is available at https://www.mcnz.org.nz/assets/standards/Guidance-on-using-artificial-intelligence-AI-in-patient-care-March-2026.pdf
Tightening Medical Gateways
Many Pakistani students have travelled overseas for medical studies but have later returned only to discover that their qualifications faced licensing complications or failed to meet required standards. The latest decision by Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) makes MDCAT qualification compulsory for students seeking medical education abroad.
Under the new framework, students must clear MDCAT, register with PMDC, and verify that their chosen institution is recognized internationally and by Pakistani authorities. They will also have to pass the National Registration Examination upon returning to Pakistan.
Additional information is available at https://tribune.com.pk/story/2607935/tightening-medical-gateways
