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Ethics & compliance

Can Doctors Use AI-Generated Content Under The NMC Guidelines?

The short answer

AI-generated promotional campaigns for commercial interest are prohibited under the NMC's 2026 guidelines. AI must not create patient images, voices, testimonials or outcomes. AI-generated promotional content that otherwise complies must carry an AI source mark; labelling does not make a prohibited campaign acceptable (cl. 7.2).

  • AI-generated promotional campaigns for commercial interest are prohibited (cl. 7.2).
  • AI must never create patient images, voices, testimonials or outcomes (cl. 7.2).
  • AI-generated promotional content that otherwise complies must carry an AI source mark (cl. 7.2).
  • A label does not make prohibited promotional content acceptable.

The NMC's guidelines dated 6 October 2026 address AI-generated content directly.

What the notice says

AI-generated promotional campaigns for commercial interest are prohibited (cl. 7.2).

The notice also states that AI must not create patient images, voices, testimonials or outcomes. AI-generated promotional content that otherwise complies must carry an AI source mark (cl. 7.2).

These are separate requirements. The source mark applies to AI-generated promotional content that otherwise complies; it does not provide an exception for prohibited promotional campaigns.

The notice also applies to communications that promote medical services, regardless of medium. AI does not remove the need to assess whether the underlying communication is promotional (cl. 3.2, 3.5).

What it means in practice

Do not assume that AI-generated content is acceptable simply because a doctor reviews it or the post includes a disclosure. The purpose of the content and the restrictions in clause 7.2 must be considered first.

Review AI workflows used for graphics, captions, scripts, videos, images and other public-facing material. Do not use AI to fabricate patient experiences or clinical outcomes.

Where AI is used for promotional content that may otherwise comply, check the source-marking requirement and have a person verify factual claims. If the intended use is unclear, seek medical-law advice before publication.

What is still allowed?

The notice distinguishes AI-generated promotional campaigns for commercial interest, which are prohibited, from AI-generated promotional content that otherwise complies, which must carry an AI source mark (cl. 7.2).

The notice does not make a label a universal permission. Whether a specific AI-assisted activity is allowed depends on the actual content and use.

Related reading: NMC advertising guidelines 2026 · AI Search & SEO · Content Marketing

Source: NMC Public Notice No. R-13014/01/2024-Ethics, 6 October 2026. General information, not legal advice. Last checked: 22 October 2026.

What to do this week
  1. Identify where AI is used in your website, social media, video and other public communication.
  2. Remove AI-created patient images, voices, testimonials and outcomes, and review any promotional campaigns.
  3. Confirm the AI source-marking process for any AI-generated promotional content that otherwise complies, and obtain legal advice on uncertain use cases.
Related questions
Can doctors use ChatGPT to write social media posts?

The notice does not give a blanket permission for AI-assisted posts. AI-generated promotional campaigns for commercial interest are prohibited, and the notice's other AI rules still apply (cl. 7.2).

Does an AI disclosure make promotional content acceptable?

No. An AI source mark does not make an AI-generated promotional campaign for commercial interest acceptable. Such campaigns are prohibited under the notice (cl. 7.2).

Can AI create a patient's recovery story or testimonial?

No. The notice states that AI must not create patient images, voices, testimonials or outcomes (cl. 7.2).

Must AI-generated promotional content carry a label?

Yes. The notice says AI-generated promotional content that otherwise complies must carry a source mark stating that its origin is AI. This does not override the prohibition on AI-generated promotional campaigns for commercial interest (cl. 7.2). Where the artificial nature of other AI content may be material to the audience, appropriate disclosure is also required (cl. 7.2).

Tamojit Lodh
Written byTamojit LodhCEO & Founder
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