Pritzker signs legislation limiting AI use in Illinois therapy services. What to know
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Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation last week that will limit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapy and psychotherapy services in Illinois, according to an Aug. 4 release from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Here’s what we know.
Pritkzer limits AI use in Illinois therapy services
Pritzker signed the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act, also known as HB1806, into law on Friday, Aug. 4.
The legislation "prohibits anyone from using AI to provide mental health and therapeutic decision-making, while allowing the use of AI for administrative and supplementary support services for licensed behavioral health professionals," according to the press release.
The aim of the law is to protect patients from unregulated AI products and to preserve the jobs of qualified behavioral health providers in Illinois.
As an example of the harm AI can cause, the press release cites a situation where an AI-powered therapist chatbot recommended "a small hit of meth to get through this week" to a fictional former addict. The release also notes expert recommendations that regulators "need to caution against the notion that using AI can be a cheaper alternative to expert medical care."
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"The people of Illinois deserve quality healthcare from real, qualified professionals and not computerprograms that pull information from all corners of the internet to generate responses that harm patients,"IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. said in the release. "This legislation stands as our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our residents by ensuring that mental health services are delivered by trained experts who prioritize patient care above all else."
The legislation, which was unanimously passed in each chamber of the Illinois General Assembly, will go into effect immediately.
All confirmed violations of the law will result in a fine of up to $10,000 to the IDFPR, according to a press release.
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