About Ochsner
Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through our mission to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate.
AI governance at Ochsner
At Ochsner Health, artificial intelligence (AI) tools are carefully reviewed, tested, and held to strict standards before they play any role in patient care. AI in healthcare holds real promise — and real responsibility. Our approach to responsible AI puts your safety, privacy and trust first, and keeps your care team at the center of every decision.
Our approach to safe use of technology
Ochsner Health uses technology, including AI, to improve clinical care, support our teams, and create a better experience for patients. Patient safety is always our highest priority. Before an AI tool enters clinical or patient care, Ochsner investigates whether it has been assessed for accuracy, fairness, and bias.
Every AI tool at Ochsner must also meet strict privacy and cybersecurity standards. Health information is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the federal law that keeps patient data private. Every new technology we introduce comes with clear guardrails: transparency in how it works, a limited and focused purpose, and ongoing checks for safety, fairness, and effectiveness.
Final diagnoses and care decisions continue to rest with the clinical team. AI supports our doctors and nurses — it does not replace them.
Managing AI well takes a clear strategy and the right people at the table. Two dedicated groups guide this governance work.
Artificial Intelligence Steering Committee (AISC)
The AISC is the formal decision-making body for AI solutions. The committee determines whether AI solutions can be deployed, and, if so, whether specific controls are needed.
This committee brings together a diverse group of experts — including clinicians; nurses; data governance, bioethics, and compliance experts; legal advisors; and safety leaders — to make sure AI is used responsibly, ethically and in line with what patients value most.
AI Center of Excellence (AICOE)
Once an AI solution is approved, the AICOE advises on best practices related to pre-deployment testing, monitoring, and oversight, making sure every solution is safe and effective. The COE partners with the audit team to ensure best practices are followed.
The AICOE is a cross-functional team that draws expertise from frontline clinical leaders, legal and compliance experts, AI implementation leaders, and ethicists. Smaller and more hands-on than the AISC, this group also considers input from employee and patient forums. The AICOE works with AI experts to ensure that AI at Ochsner is guided by technical performance, workforce readiness, regulatory compliance, ethical guardrails, and real-world impact.
Our guiding principles for the use of AI
Our culture is built on trust, belonging and the Ochsner Core Values: Patients First, Integrity, Compassion, Teamwork, Inclusion, and Excellence. These values shape every decision we make about AI in clinical care.
We use AI to support our care teams — but your care team remains responsible for your care. That human connection will never change.
Here is what you can expect from Ochsner as AI becomes a larger part of healthcare:
- We will keep people at the center of every decision
- We will hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of safety, fairness and privacy
- We will continue to earn your trust through clear communication and responsible action
As AI helps shape the future of healthcare, Ochsner is proud to lead that work with care, honesty, and a deep commitment to the people we serve.
Share your feedback
We are committed to learning, improving, and using AI in ways that support our teams and the patients we serve. We welcome your feedback, questions, and concerns. Share your feedback via this survey or contact our patient and clinician advocacy teams.