The UK government has accepted all 44 recommendations from the National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare, setting out plans to strengthen how artificial intelligence is developed, approved and monitored across the health sector.

The new approach will place greater emphasis on patient safety, transparency and continuous monitoring of AI-enabled medical devices rather than relying mainly on assessments carried out before a product enters the market.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has also opened Phase 3 of its AI Airlock regulatory sandbox, allowing developers of eligible AI medical devices to work with regulators and healthcare partners on real-world monitoring and safety.

Officials say the framework is intended to help promising healthcare technologies reach patients more quickly while maintaining safeguards as AI systems change and develop.

The government also plans to issue draft guidance on managing changes to AI-enabled medical devices by December 2026 and will consult next year on how these devices should be qualified and classified.

A full implementation roadmap covering the 44 recommendations is expected by spring 2027, marking a significant step in the UK's plans for regulated and trusted AI in healthcare.