Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed a bill into law that bans AI from acting as a standalone therapist, restricting its use in mental healthcare. The new law, known as the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act, prohibits AI from making therapeutic decisions, interacting directly with clients, or creating treatment plans without review and approval from a licensed professional.
The law aims to safeguard patients from potential harm caused by unregulated AI tools, particularly vulnerable individuals who may mistake chatbots for professional care. By regulating AI use in mental healthcare, Illinois is taking steps to prevent potential misuse and ensure accountability. The law also protects the jobs of Illinois' qualified behavioral health providers by preventing unlicensed AI tools from performing therapeutic services.
The move is part of a broader effort to regulate AI in the state, with recent amendments to the Human Rights Act making it a civil rights violation to use AI in discriminatory ways. The debate around AI's role in mental healthcare continues, with some arguing for its potential benefits and others highlighting serious concerns about privacy and efficacy.
As AI technology advances, states like Illinois are taking proactive steps to ensure that its use is safe, responsible, and beneficial to society. The new law will help protect patients and promote accountability in the mental healthcare industry.
