Veterans Affairs: Key AI Practices Could Help Address Challenges
Fast Facts
We testified on the use of artificial intelligence at the Department of Veterans Affairs. We discussed challenges posed by AI before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization. Our testimony is based on the following reports: Artificial Intelligence: Generative AI Use and Management at Federal Agencies and Artificial Intelligence: An Accountability Framework for Federal Agencies and Other Entities.
The Capitol building with text that reads, GAO Testimony to Congress.
Highlights
What GAO Found
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems create outputs using algorithms, which are often trained on text and images obtained from the internet. Technological advancements in the underlying systems and architecture, combined with the open availability of AI tools to the public, have led to widespread use.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) increased its number of AI use cases between 2023 and 2024. VA has also identified challenges in using AI—such as difficulty complying with federal policies and guidance, having sufficient technical resources and budget, acquiring generative AI tools, hiring and developing an AI workforce, and securing sensitive data.
GAO has identified a framework of key practices to help ensure accountability and responsible AI use by federal agencies—including VA—in the design, development, deployment, and continuous monitoring of AI systems. VA and other agencies can use this framework as they consider, select, and implement AI systems (see figure).
Figure: GAO’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Accountability Framework
VA’s use of the AI accountability framework along with a solid foundation of IT management and AI use cases could enable the department to better position itself to support ongoing and future work involving the technology.
Why GAO Did This Study
Developments in generative AI—which can create text, images, audio, video, and other content when prompted by a user—have revolutionized how the technology can be used in many industries, including healthcare, and at federal agencies including VA.
AI is a transformative technology for government operations, but it also poses unique challenges because the source of information used by AI systems may not always be clear or accurate. These challenges may be difficult for federal agencies including VA to overcome.
In prior reports, GAO found that VA has experienced longstanding challenges in managing its IT projects and programs. This raises questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations and its ability to deliver intended outcomes needed to help advance the department’s mission.
GAO’s statement describes (1) VA’s AI use and challenges, and (2) principles and key practices for federal agencies that are considering implementing AI.
GAO summarized a prior report that described VA’s use of AI. GAO also summarized key practices for federal agencies and other entities that are considering implementing AI systems.
Recommendations
The prior GAO reports described in this statement include 26 recommendations to VA concerning management of its IT resources that have not yet been implemented, and one recommendation to update its AI inventory that has not been implemented.