One-sentence headline summary

Health New Zealand has warned staff that using unauthorized artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT to draft clinical notes is strictly prohibited and may lead to formal disciplinary action.

Key points

• Health New Zealand issued a memo to Mental Health and Addiction Services staff in Rotorua Lakes banning the use of free AI tools for clinical documentation.
• Prohibited platforms include ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini due to significant concerns regarding patient data security, privacy, and professional accountability.
• All AI software used within the health system must be registered and approved by the National Artificial Intelligence and Algorithm Expert Advisory Group.
• The Public Service Association argues that staff are turning to AI tools to manage extreme workloads and suggests the agency should prioritize training over disciplinary threats.
• Health New Zealand is currently rolling out an approved AI scribe tool called Heidi across emergency departments to assist clinicians.

This directive highlights the growing tension between the urgent need for administrative efficiency in healthcare and the strict data privacy requirements governing sensitive patient information. It underscores the risks organizations face when staff adopt unauthorized technology to cope with systemic staffing pressures.