7341 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 19 Mar 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	7341 (2026)
Question asked:	04 Mar 2026
Member asking:	Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Portfolio:	Associate Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Casey Costello
Answer received:	15 Mar 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_07341_2026
Document guid:	cfd1afaf-87ea-4963-a1e8-b4c74e7bbdb5

7341 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health: What types of AI tools used in healthcare will be regulated by the upcoming Medical Products Bill, if any?

Hon Casey Costello: The Medical Products Bill (the Bill) will regulate AI tools that are intended for a therapeutic purpose, rather than regulating AI more broadly. Specifically, the Bill will apply to software and AI that meet the internationally accepted definition of a medical device, ‘Software as a Medical Device’. Examples include AI systems used to screen for conditions, deliver therapy, or provide AI-driven diagnostics. AI tools used for administrative and operational purposes (such as AI-scribes and patient management systems), or for research or general informational purposes will not be regulated under the Bill.