The Guthrie Clinic testified on Mar. 25 before the Pennsylvania House Health and Communications and Technology Committees about the responsible use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, focusing on policy considerations for quality, safety, and workforce sustainability.
This topic is important as AI tools are increasingly being adopted across healthcare systems, raising questions about patient safety, clinician roles, and access to care—especially in rural areas where resources can be limited.
Robert Kruklitis, MD, PhD, MBA, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Guthrie, represented the health system during the testimony. He said that Guthrie is actively using AI-enabled tools in clinical care as a rural integrated provider. “Artificial intelligence should strengthen healthcare, not distance it from the people it serves,” Kruklitis said. “When implemented responsibly, AI can help clinicians focus on patients, improve consistency and safety, and expand access to care, especially in rural communities facing workforce shortages and geographic barriers.”
Kruklitis also said that AI tools must support rather than replace clinical judgment. He emphasized that strong governance frameworks are necessary as adoption of these technologies accelerates throughout the healthcare system. In addition to governance concerns, he pointed out the need for alignment between policy decisions regarding reimbursement and regulation so providers can innovate without risking trust or patient safety.
Guthrie concluded its testimony with two specific policy recommendations for state lawmakers but did not detail them publicly in this statement. “As lawmakers consider how best to approach AI in healthcare, it’s critical that rural systems are part of the conversation,” Kruklitis said. “Policy decisions made today will shape access, quality, and sustainability of care for years to come.”
According to Guthrie’s testimony statement provided after the hearing session ended on Mar. 25th , their comments reflect a broader commitment to advancing innovative models of patient-centered care aimed at improving quality , safety ,and access across both Pennsylvania and New York.
