Brazil expands artificial intelligence integration in healthcare

Artificial intelligence is seeing increased implementation across the Brazilian healthcare sector, ranging from municipal services to regulatory legal challenges and clinical innovations.

In Balneário Camboriú, the municipal health department has introduced an AI-driven triage system for its telemedicine service. The tool assists in initial patient assessments by analyzing symptoms to direct users toward teleconsultations, nursing support, or in-person visits. Health Secretary Aline Leal emphasized that the technology serves as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for medical professionals.

On a regulatory level, the Federal Regional Court of the 1st Region (TRF1) is reviewing a request to suspend CFM Resolution No. 2.454/2026. This resolution governs the use of AI in medical practice, requiring that AI-assisted decisions be recorded in patient files and that patients be informed of the technology's role. The rule also mandates that AI cannot communicate diagnoses or therapeutic decisions without physician mediation.

Technological advancements are also being showcased in clinical settings, such as the ExtensIA project. Developed by the startup WorkAI in partnership with Fundação Unimed, the project uses AI to assist individuals with neurovegetative diseases, such as ALS, by creating digital avatars and assistive clinical agents that allow them to continue professional activities through eye movements and voice reproduction.