Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook, Ltd.
Before You Write an AI Policy: Seven Questions Every Employer Should Answer
Christopher L. Lardiere
August 17, 2026

Part Two of a Two-Part Series on Responsible AI Use in the Workplace

Last week we outlined why we think businesses should establish ground rules for employee use of artificial intelligence.

Always be sure to check with your insurance agent to be certain that your General Liability or Cyber insurance provides coverages for the risks associated with the use of AI.

Before drafting an AI policy, employers should at least answer these seven key questions.

1. What AI Tools Are Covered?

Will the policy apply only to ChatGPT-style tools, or will it also include:

  • AI writing tools
  • AI image generators
  • AI research platforms
  • AI coding assistants
  • Future AI technologies

2. What Uses Are Permitted?

Consider whether employees may use AI for:

  • Drafting documents
  • Brainstorming ideas
  • Marketing projects
  • Administrative tasks
  • Internal communications

3. What Information Is Off Limits?

Many businesses prohibit employees from entering:

  • Confidential information
  • Customer data
  • Personnel records
  • Trade secrets
  • Proprietary business information

Protecting sensitive data should be a central part of any AI policy.

4. Who Reviews AI-Generated Work?

AI should assist decision-making—not replace it.

Employees should remain responsible for:

  • Accuracy
  • Compliance
  • Professional judgment
  • Final approval
  • Accountability and human oversight as important aspects of AI governance.

5. How Will Copyright and Ownership Issues Be Handled?

Businesses should consider:

  • Ownership of AI-assisted work product
  • Copyright concerns
  • Third-party content issues
  • Vendor licensing terms

6. Who Is Accountable When AI Gets It Wrong?

If the use of AI occurs during the performance of job duties, in most cases the employer will be responsible for the actions of the employee.

Training and oversight are critical.

7. How Will Employees Be Trained?

An AI policy is only effective if employees understand it.

Training should address:

  • Appropriate uses
  • Security risks
  • Confidentiality obligations
  • Verification requirements
  • Reporting concerns

Final Thought

No two organizations face the same AI risks.

A law firm, healthcare provider, manufacturer, nonprofit, retailer, and contractor will all need different safeguards.

The best AI policy is not a generic template from the internet. It is a policy tailored to the organization's operations, workforce, and risk profile.

The information presented here has been prepared by Lardiere McNair for promotional and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.  This information is not intended to provide, and receipt of it does not constitute, legal advice.  Nor does the receipt of this material create an attorney/client relationship.  An attorney client relationship is not established until such time as Lardiere McNair enters in to a written engagement agreement with a specific client for a specific legal matter.

Copyright © 2026 Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook, Ltd., LPA, All rights reserved. Disclaimers: Artificial intelligence is used as a tool to supplement, enhance, make suggestions, and generate blog language from the thoughts, ideas, and opinions of our human lawyers.  The final product is reviewed and edited by an attorney. LEGAL NOTICE:  THIS MESSAGE IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND SOLICITATION. 

Free Consultation

Law is a complicated matter. It can cause you a big problem if you ignore it. Let us help you!

"*" indicates required fields

Notice: If you send e-mail to Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook, LLC in connection with a matter for which we do not already represent you, your communication may not be treated as privileged, confidential or otherwise protected because you are not a client. If you communicate with us by e-mail in connection with a matter for which we already represent you, please remember that Internet e-mail may not be secure. **
Notice: If you send e-mail to Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook, LLC in connection with a matter for which we do not already represent you, your communication may not be treated as privileged, confidential or otherwise protected because you are not a client. If you communicate with us by e-mail in connection with a matter for which we already represent you, please remember that Internet e-mail may not be secure. *

At Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook, we recognize that we are here to provide more than just quality legal service to our clients.
Copyright Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook, LLC 2022
Privacy Policy & Terms of Use
bubblecrossmenuchevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram