Tennessee State Senator Bo Watson, co-chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures Health Innovations Task Force, has returned from the latest task force meeting held May 15-16 in San Antonio, Texas, where lawmakers gathered to explore the expanding role of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
The task force conference focused on examining key legislative and regulatory issues surrounding AI in utilization management, patient data, and oversight frameworks. Presenters included legal scholars, state insurance regulators, health plan executives, and AI-driven technology providers such as Xsolis, which demonstrated real-time applications of machine learning in health care decision-making.
“As co-chair, I am honored to represent Tennessee in these important national conversations,” said Senator Watson. “Our discussions reinforced the need for innovation grounded in patient protection, data privacy, and ethical application. As state leaders, we have a responsibility to stay ahead of emerging technologies like AI that will fundamentally change the way we deliver care.”
In addition to co-chairing the event, Senator Watson participated in a roundtable session discussing state-level legislative trends and contributed to a review of NCSL’s proposed policy resolution on AI in healthcare.
Senator Watson also spearheaded the creation of Tennessee’s AI Advisory Council to "ensure the state is prepared to implement advanced technologies across sectors, including healthcare, education, and workforce development."
Through initiatives like the NCSL Health Innovations Task Force, Senator Watson is helping position Tennessee as a national leader in responsible tech-driven policy, said officials.
More about the task force: ncsl.org/in-dc/task-forces/health-innovations