The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) recognizes the evolving landscape of veterinary medicine, driven by technological advancements. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to play an increasingly significant role in various industries, including healthcare, the GVMA aims to ensure compliance with legal regulations, manage potential risks, and uphold ethical standards while leveraging AI technologies for the improvement of veterinary care.

The GVMA stands behind the veterinarian as the authority for making decisions, treatment protocols, diagnoses and recommendations for their patients. AI technologies are available in the veterinary space to provide support to the veterinarian, but currently there is no existing technology that replaces the professional judgement, advising spectrum of care, evaluation of the human-animal bond or empathy of veterinarians. Practitioners can use AI generated insights as appropriate in the context of their clinical expertise.

The GVMA emphasizes the importance of ethical and regulatory considerations in the development and application of AI technologies in veterinary medicine. All AI applications in veterinary medicine must comply with relevant applicable laws and regulations. This includes data protection, privacy, and any specific regulations pertaining to the use of AI in healthcare. The GVMA advocates for the establishment of standards and guidelines by relevant regulatory bodies to govern the use of AI in veterinary medicine. Veterinary practitioners utilizing AI technologies should obtain informed consent from clients, explain the nature of AI tools they are using, their potential benefits, and limitations. The AI tools being used should protect client information and the patient’s medical records. These tools should never expose client information or medical records, be shared publicly or be accessed by large foundation models, large language models, and other similar applications without the client and veterinarian’s express consent, as applicable.

The GVMA encourages veterinary professionals to engage in continuous education and training to stay informed about emerging AI technologies. These training programs should address the ethical use of AI, interpretation of AI-generated data, and integration of AI tools into veterinary practice. Veterinarians should understand proper and appropriate recording of the use of AI technologies in their medical records, how to properly inform clients they are using AI technologies and gain consent where needed, and what their risks are when using AI technologies in the specific cases presented.

The GVMA supports collaboration between veterinary professionals, AI developers, and other stakeholders to ensure the development of AI applications that are relevant, accurate, and aligned with at least the minimum veterinary standards in Georgia. We encourage AI developers to provide AI applications that meet the highest industry standards both for AI and Veterinary Medicine. An interdisciplinary approach will foster innovation while safeguarding the interests of animals, their owners and veterinarians.

The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association is committed to fostering responsible and ethical integration of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine. This policy aims to guide veterinary professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders in navigating the evolving landscape of AI technology while prioritizing the integrity of veterinary practice, limiting the scope of AI technology in veterinary medicine and protecting the veterinarians’ ability to practice.

The GVMA recognizes the dynamic nature of AI technology and encourages periodic reviews of this policy to incorporate emerging best practices, ethical considerations, and regulatory changes.