Illinois bans AI therapy practices
ILLINOIS - Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation in August that seeks to ban the use of artificial intelligence in therapy and other psychological services.
The “Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources” Act aims to protect patients in Illinois from using unqualified and unregulated AI as a mental health service.
The act prohibits licensed mental health professionals from using AI to make independent therapeutic decisions while also allowing it to serve as an administrative/supplementary support service.
Legislators say this act also protects children—who may confide in AI chatbots for mental health or therapeutic purposes.
"With Governor Pritzker signing this into law, Illinois residents are now protected from unregulated AI bots while ensuring access to qualified mental health professionals," said Rep. Bob Morgan. “With increasing frequency, we are learning how harmful unqualified, unlicensed chatbots can be in providing dangerous, non-clinical advice when people are in a time of great need. Illinoisans will still have access to many helpful, therapeutic relaxation and calming apps, but we are going to put a stop to those trying to prey on our most vulnerable in need of true mental health services."
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) may impose fines of up to $10,000 on providers who violate this act.
