STAT+: OpenAI wants to ‘have their cake and eat it too’ with health AI policy recommendations

STAT PlusHealth tech OpenAI wants to ‘have their cake and eat it too’ with health AI policy recommendations The AI company’s proposals sound responsible but are self-interested, experts say Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Brittany TrangMay 6, 2026 Health Tech Reporter Brittany Trang[email protected]Brittany Trang, Ph.D., is a health tech reporter at STAT and writes the AI Prognosis newsletter. Follow her on Threads, Mastodon, and Bluesky. You can reach Brittany on Signal at btrang.01. So far, artificial intelligence company OpenAI’s work in health care has been largely limited to nonregulated areas. In January, the company released ChatGPT Health for consumers. Then, it launched ChatGPT for Healthcare for hospitals, followed by ChatGPT for Clinicians. Along with the launch of its chatbot for clinicians last month, OpenAI also published a wish list that the company described as a blueprint for unlocking AI’s potential to change the broader health care system. The policy proposals outlined in the document, experts told STAT, are somewhat reasonable, but they also disproportionately benefit the company. Advertisement “They’re trying to have their cake and eat it too,” said David Blumenthal, a former national coordinator for health IT and a health policy professor at Harvard University. “They’re trying to potentially sound like responsible parties in the current conversation while at the same time wanting the markets to stay open for their products.” STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — and get additional analysis of the technologies disrupting health care — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Artificial intelligence, health tech, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Brittany Trang Health Tech Reporter Brittany Trang, Ph.D., is a health tech reporter at STAT and writes the AI Prognosis newsletter. Follow her on Threads, Mastodon, and Bluesky. You can reach Brittany on Signal at btrang.01. STAT+ Newsletter A hitchhiker's guide to the health care AI galaxy Recommended In the Lab May 7, 2026 Fraudulent citations, blamed on AI hallucinations, are becoming more common in research papers Health May 7, 2026 Key takeaways from WHO briefing on hantavirus cruise ship outbreak Advertisement The Readout LOUD May 7, 2026 Seaport’s IPO adventure, obesity pill battles, and Makary’s troubles In the Lab May 7, 2026 Science is becoming less disruptive. Is an aging workforce to blame? Exclusive May 7, 2026 Official leading CDC’s cruise ship program retires Subscriber Picks