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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Abigail Crawford, B.S.N., M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., F.N.P.-B.C., chief advanced practice provider for pediatric telemedicine at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, has been selected to chair a national workgroup for the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).
This is part of the ATA’s new AI in Virtual Care Policy Initiative to help shape the policies, regulations and frameworks that will govern the use of AI in virtual care delivery.
“Artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly impact healthcare by creating new opportunities to improve access to care and support clinicians and patients,” Crawford said. “As with any emerging technology, thoughtful oversight will be important to ensure it is implemented safely and responsibly.”
Three national working groups will focus on different areas of AI in virtual care.
Crawford’s group, “Federal Agency and Public Policy Framework for AI-Enabled Virtual Care: Influencing How Federal Agencies Approach AI in Virtual Care,” will provide recommendations that guide federal agencies in creating policies that promote the safe, effective and responsible use of AI in virtual healthcare.
“Working with colleagues who bring different perspectives and priorities has given me valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges of implementing new technologies in healthcare,” Crawford said. “As AI continues to evolve, I hope to bring that real-world perspective to discussions about how these tools can be used to support patients, providers and health systems.”
The working groups’ recommendations will inform national advocacy efforts and contribute to the development of innovative, patient-centered policies that strengthen trust in AI-enabled virtual care.
“Working in pediatric telemedicine at Golisano Children’s has allowed me to see firsthand how technology can improve access to care for patients who might otherwise face barriers to receiving specialty services,” Crawford said. “I look forward to contributing to these discussions and helping to ensure that AI is used in beneficial ways.”
Crawford and other leaders will present their outcomes at the ATA EDGE Policy Conference in December and help set the direction for ATA’s advocacy priorities in 2027.
