As artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in mental and behavioral health care settings, the potential risks associated with providing inaccurate, biased, or inconsistent medical recommendations can undermine patient care, resulting in substandard services and possible harm to the patient. Mental health care requires a personalized approach based on human emotion, education and professional experience, as well as standards of ethics. I do not believe AI should be utilized to provide mental health care services to patients. Additionally, no AI chatbot has been approved by the FDA to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
 
AI can be permitted to function as a supplementary administrative tool but not replace the expertise of health care providers. For these reasons, I plan to introduce legislation that would prohibit mental and behavioral health care providers from using AI for non-administrative purposes. Providers would still be able to use AI in an administrative or support role, but all health care decisions and services would ultimately be reviewed and decided upon by a human health care provider.
 
Several other states have implemented similar regulations to protect the efficacy and ethical protocols of health care services. It is time that Pennsylvania follows suit to protect the health and well-being of patients across the Commonwealth.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to mitigate the risks of AI in mental and behavioral health care services.