Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health Technologies in Medical Practice

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into digital health applications is transforming contemporary medical practice by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, predictive capabilities, and healthcare delivery. While AI offers significant potential to improve healthcare outcomes, it also raises complex ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns that must be carefully addressed. This paper examines the central research problem of balancing technological innovation with patient rights and safety within the framework of medical jurisprudence. The primary objectives of the study are to analyse the role of AI in clinical decision-making, identify liability issues arising from errors in AI-assisted medical care, and evaluate the adequacy of existing legal frameworks in addressing these challenges. The study adopts a doctrinal and analytical methodology, relying on statutory provisions, policy guidelines, judicial precedents, and relevant secondary sources including reports and scholarly literature. The paper argues that the increasing reliance on AI-driven systems challenges traditional concepts of medical negligence and professional responsibility, particularly where algorithmic decision-making is involved. It further highlights concerns relating to data protection, informed consent, and algorithmic bias, which may adversely affect patient autonomy and trust. In the Indian context, the study evaluates emerging digital health regulations and identifies significant gaps in ensuring accountability and transparency. The paper concludes that while AI-powered digital health technologies have the potential to revolutionize healthcare, a comprehensive legal framework is essential to ensure ethical compliance, protect patient rights, and establish clear standards of liability for stakeholders including medical professionals, developers, and healthcare institutions in evolving digital ecosystems worldwide and future governance frameworks.