Legal Issues and Civil Liability due to the Operation of Surgical Robots and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Keywords:
Product Liability, Tort Liability, Medical Surgical Robots, Artificial Intelligence: AI, Corporate Liability, Medical Artificial Intelligence, Strict LiabilityAbstract
This research aimed to create a body of knowledge for a legal foundation on the application of modern technology, from the fundamental principles and mechanics of medical surgical robots, in order to understand their operational scope. Subsequently, the study conducts a comparative analysis of legal measures between Thailand and foreign jurisdictions to explore the differences, strengths, and limitations of existing regulations.
Ultimately, the primary objective of this research was to propose appropriate and up-to-date legal measures on safety standards to assure public confidence, utilizing a documentary research methodology. The findings revealed that in a comparative context, while foreign jurisdictions had implemented theories of direct hospital liability—such as "Negligent Credentialing"— but Thai law confined to vicarious liability as an employer under Section 425 and the Liability for Damages Arising from Unsafe Products Act B.E. 2551 (2008). These statutory provisions were inadequate in protecting consumers confronted with highly sophisticated innovations and scientific advancements (State of the Art Defense).
Consequently, the researcher proposed an integrated approach through the enactment of specific laws, or regulations to establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and clear training criteria, while expanding the scope of corporate liability for medical institutions to cover technological oversight. Additionally, product liability laws should be amended to include medical software, and a "No-fault Liability" compensation system should be implemented together with professional liability insurance, to balance medical innovation with the sustainable and fair protection of patients' rights.
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