Federation of State Medical Boards: AI Not Ready for Physician Licensure
The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) has taken a clear position on the question of AI in medical practice: current artificial intelligence systems should not be granted medical licenses in the same way as human physicians.
The FSMB, which represents the 71 state medical and osteopathic boards across the United States, serves as a key coordinating body for medical licensing standards. Its stance signals that regulators are proceeding cautiously with AI integration in healthcare, prioritizing established frameworks for physician accountability and patient safety.
The guidance comes as AI tools become increasingly sophisticated and are deployed across clinical settings, from diagnostic imaging to patient interaction systems. While such technologies can support clinical decision-making, regulatory bodies are distinguishing between AI as a tool used by licensed physicians and AI operating as an independent medical practitioner.
Medical boards have historically maintained rigorous requirements for physician licensure, including completion of accredited medical education, postgraduate training, and passage of licensing examinations. The FSMB's position reinforces that these standards apply to human practitioners and that AI systems operate under the supervision and accountability of licensed clinicians rather than as autonomous providers.
The guidance is expected to influence how state boards approach cases involving AI-assisted medicine and may shape future policy discussions as the technology continues to evolve.