Illinois Governor Signs Legislation Banning AI in Mental Health Decision-Making
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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed a bill banning the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental health or therapeutic decision-making without oversight by licensed clinicians. The Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act aims to protect patients from unregulated AI products and jobs of qualified healthcare providers, while also addressing concerns regarding the use of AI chatbots in mental health. Over 250 bills targeting AI in healthcare have been proposed across the US, with several states, including Nevada and Utah, implementing similar legislation.
Illinois Enforces Oversight on AI Application in Mental Health
Earlier this month, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker approved a law restricting the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental health or therapeutic decision-making without licensed clinician supervision. This act places Illinois among several states aiming to control AI usage in behavioral health care and patient communications. Over 250 proposed bills targeting AI in health care are now making their way through state legislatures, WESA radio reported.
Details of the Legislation
Illinois’ Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act prohibits non-licensed entities from providing or advertising psychotherapy services. Violations incur civil penalties up to $10,000. AI can, however, be used for administrative support for behavioral health professionals, Mobihealth News reported. The legislation aims to protect patients from unregulated AI products and preserve jobs for licensed behavioral health providers. It’s also designed to safeguard children against potential harms from AI chatbots used for mental health, according to Healthcare Finance.
“The people of Illinois deserve quality health care from real, qualified professionals and not computer programs that pull information from all corners of the internet to generate responses that harm patients,” said Mario Treto Jr., secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, in a statement.
AI Restrictions in Other States
Many other states are passing similar laws related to AI and behavioral health care. For example, Nevada passed a law prohibiting AI providers from claiming their systems can provide professional mental health care, with violations subject to civil penalties of $15,000. Utah tightened its regulations on AI usage in mental health care in May, ensuring AI does not replace human clinicians and user health information is not shared with third parties. Pennsylvania is considering a bill that would require parental consent for children to receive AI-based virtual mental health services provided by schools.
AI in Other Areas of Health Care
Other state legislations are targeting AI usage in different areas of health care, including patient communications. Colorado has an AI statute that takes effect in February 2026 dictating that “high-risk” AI systems in health care must be governed by formal risk management frameworks. Utah and California have tightened rules on AI usage in patient interactions and require transparency when AI is used in health care. Texas has passed a law that regulates AI usage within electronic health records. In Pennsylvania, a proposed bill seeks to regulate AI usage across health care.
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