Illinois has enacted new legislation that restricts the use of artificial intelligence in mental health care, barring it from providing therapeutic or psychotherapy decision-making services.
On Aug. 1, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act to ensure patients receive care from licensed professionals, not unregulated AI tools, according to an Aug. 4 news release. The law allows AI to be used for administrative and supplementary tasks but prohibits its role in clinical decisions involving therapy.
The measure aims to protect both patients and licensed behavioral health providers, as well as address concerns over AI chatbots interacting with children seeking mental healthcare.
