Acceptable Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Academic Coursework Policy

PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to define the acceptable use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and large language models (LLMs) by medical students in academic coursework at the UC Davis School of Medicine (i.e., the School). This policy establishes expectations for appropriate student use of these technologies, outlines prohibited uses, and identifies related institutional policies, guidelines, and best practices. As the use of generative AI tools continues to expand, students and faculty must understand how to use these tools legally, safely and appropriately.

AUDIENCE
All medical students and faculty instructing in these courses

LCME STANDARD
12.4 Student Access to Health Care Services

POLICY

Definitions

Assessment: Any quiz, exam, or assignment
Coursework: Any enrolled activity for which unit credit is obtained, including Pre-Clerkship classwork, clinical clerkships and electives, student run clinics, and research
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI): Software that produces text, images, code, or other content in response to user input (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft CoPilot, Claude, Bard, DALL·E, etc.)
Individually identifiable: Medical Information includes or contains any element of personal identifying information sufficient to allow identification of the individual, or a reasonable basis to believe the individual can be identified, such as the patient's name, address, electronic mail address, telephone number, or social security number, or other information that, alone or in combination with other publicly available information, reveals, or provides a basis to reveal, the individual's identity.
Large Language Model (LLM): A type of GenAI trained on extensive text datasets to predict and generate language-based outputs
Protected Health Information (PHI): Individually identifiable medical information, whether in electronic or paper format, that is created, maintained, or received by UC Davis Health and relates to the past, present or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual, the provision of health care to an individual, or the past, present or future payment for health care provided to an individual

Students are expected to independently author all written assignments, demonstrating their own analysis, critical thinking, and reflection.
1. GenAI may be used to support organization of thoughts or minor editing for grammar and clarity.
2. GenAI may not be used to directly author any portion of a submitted assignment unless faculty or course leadership grants written permission.
Students are prohibited from using GenAI tools to research or generate answers for closed-book assessments unless faculty or course leadership grants written permission.
In instances where the use of GenAI is permitted, the acceptable use of AI tools in a course is stated in the course syllabus or assignment instructions.
If specific assignments require or grant the use of AI technologies, students must strictly follow all instructions provided by faculty regarding how these tools may be used.
1. Students remain responsible for verifying the accuracy and reliability of any information produced by GenAI tools and are accountable for errors or misinformation incorporated into their work.
2. Any use of GenAI tools must be transparently disclosed, including the type of tool used and the nature of its contribution.
The UC Davis Health Generative AI Services and Application Use Policy (see References) applies to this policy.
Students are not permitted to use external GenAI tools to generate patient care documentation, including notes, assessments, or care plans, except as outlined in the UC Davis Heath Generative AI Services and Application Use Policy.
1. Only AI functionalities explicitly supported by the electronic health record (EHR), authorized by course leadership, and in strict adherence with University of California Health policies, may be used.
2. Under no circumstances should PHI be entered into any generative AI tool outside of a secure, institutionally supported system.
Faculty may choose to limit students’ ability to upload, copy, or input the School’s curricular materials, including but not limited to slides, articles, book chapters, assignments, examinations, or proprietary instructional content into GenAI or similar platforms. These limitations will be outlined in the course syllabus and/or individual session instructions.
In instances where use of GenAI is allowed in preparing scholarly work for publication or presentation, students must comply with all relevant GenAI disclosure requirements established by journals, conferences, or professional organizations.
The use of GenAI tools by students must uphold UC Davis and the School’s standards of academic integrity, professionalism, patient privacy, and intellectual property protection.
Students are responsible for ensuring their use of GenAI aligns with faculty expectations and complies with all institutional policies.

PROCEDURE

Students are responsible for ensuring their use of GenAI complies with copyright law, intellectual property rights, and institutional guidelines.
Violations of this policy constitute reaches of the Code of Academic Conduct and professionalism and will be addressed according to the School's procedures.
1. Consequences will include referrals to the Honor and Professionalism Council, the Committee on Student Promotions (CSP), and the Associate Dean for Students.
2. Consequences may result in academic of professionalism remediation or disciplinary actions, including course failure and/or dismissal.

RESPONSIBILITY
Course Directors

REFERENCES
Generative AI Services and Applications Use Policy (UC Davis Health login required)
UC Davis Academic Code of Conduct
UC Davis Informational and Educational Technology AI Guidance and Tools
UC Davis Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline
UC Davis School of Medicine Bylaws and Regulations, Regulation 80

POLICY OWNER
Committee on Educational Policy

REVIEWED BY
Associate Dean of Curriculum and Medical Education
Associate Dean for Students;
Committee on Educational Policy*
Committee on Student Promotions
Curriculum Director
Curriculum Managers
Director of Medical School Professionalism

REVIEW DATE and REVIEW CYCLE
Enacted April 2026; annual review cycle

* Indicates the Policy Owner