Ethical Misuse of Ai in Decision-Making Processes in Healthcare

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly deployed in healthcare decision-making – from diagnostics and treatment recommendations to resource allocation and insurance claims – offering significant benefits in efficiency and accuracy. However, the misuse or uncritical reliance on AI systems poses serious legal and ethical risks. This article provides a comprehensive legal-academic analysis of these risks, anchored in international human rights principles, medical ethics, and emerging regulatory frameworks. We employ doctrinal and comparative methods to examine how different jurisdictions (notably the European Union, United States, and Singapore) are responding to challenges such as bias and discrimination in AI algorithms, threats to patient privacy and autonomy, and the problem of assigning responsibility for automated or semi-automated decisions. A focused case study on Uzbekistan’s developing approach to AI in the medical sector is included, highlighting existing norms, initiatives, and regulatory challenges in that jurisdiction. The discussion synthesizes international guidelines (from bodies like UNESCO, WHO, OECD, and the Council of Europe) and national laws, and evaluates procedural safeguards needed to ensure that AI deployment in healthcare remains aligned with ethical duties and legal accountability. We conclude by emphasizing the need for robust, harmonized legal frameworks and oversight mechanisms that protect patients’ rights and safety while fostering innovation in medical AI.