The Australian Senate has passed legislation to restore human oversight to an aged care algorithm that had been criticized as 'cruel' and 'inhumane' by elderly Australians and their carers. The government conceded that some decisions made by the tool require review.
Background of the Integrated Assessment Tool
The integrated assessment tool (IAT), introduced in November, is used to determine the level of home support funding and care that elderly people are entitled to. However, as revealed by Guardian Australia, the algorithm underpinning the tool has frequently under-assessed people, leaving them without adequate care. Expert assessors were explicitly prohibited from overriding the tool when it made a wrong assessment.
Legislation Details
The legislation was co-sponsored by the Greens, the Coalition, and independent senator David Pocock. It aims to ensure that human judgment can override the algorithm when necessary, addressing concerns about the tool's accuracy and fairness.
Other News Highlights
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