A public debate is raging around the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). One side argues that AI is potentially dangerous and needs to be carefully controlled, whereas the other side argues that any regulation would slow innovation. In this interview, Dr. Ryan Metcalf, section chief of Transfusion Medicine and medical director of Transfusion Service/Blood Bank at ARUP Laboratories, makes a strong case for a safety-first approach to healthcare AI. He also explains why embedding AI development and use within a strong quality management framework could actually lead to more innovation over the long term, even as it prevents patient harm in the short term.