SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Working to ensure Illinoisans seeking behavioral healthcare are protected from unlicensed providers, including deceptive artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, championed a measure cracking down on phony and unqualified mental health caregivers.

“If a person experiencing serious stomach pain tried to get help from a doctor and was diagnosed by a provider who was only pretending to have medical training, or even worse, some chatbot imitating a real doctor, people involved would rightfully face serious consequences. That is the reality many Illinois patients seeking help with mental health problems are facing right now and it has to stop,” Hernandez said. “This measure cracks down on this disingenuous and dangerous workaround that is undoubtedly hurting countless people across our state.”

House Bill 1806 creates the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act that requires any therapy service to be conducted by a licensed professional. Those licensed may use AI if they maintain full responsibility for its interactions. However, licensed therapists cannot use AI to make any patient decisions or treatment plans. AI transcriptions of client sessions will also be prohibited under this measure, unless the patient is fully informed and approves of its use.

“This is just another example of an area where mental health isn’t treated with the same degree of seriousness and support as physical health,” Hernandez said. “We need mental health parity in our community or else we risk neglecting a vital aspect of life. No chatbots or AIs or unlicensed mental health practitioners can take the place of a trained physician, and pretending any different is deeply misguided.”

House Bill 1806 passed unanimously out of the House and Senate, and it now awaits the governor’s signature for final consideration.

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