The bill H.644 aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the provision of mental health services in Vermont. It prohibits individuals, corporations, or entities from offering, providing, or advertising mental health services that utilize AI, with specific exceptions for administrative support tasks. The bill highlights the potential dangers of AI in mental health contexts, citing research that indicates AI systems, such as chatbots, can provide harmful advice and have been linked to instances of suicide among users. The purpose of the bill is to protect individuals seeking mental health services from psychological harm by ensuring that these services are delivered by qualified mental health professionals rather than AI systems.

To enforce these regulations, the bill introduces new definitions and provisions regarding the use of AI by mental health professionals. It establishes that any misuse of AI in therapeutic settings will be considered unprofessional conduct, and violations will incur civil penalties under the Consumer Protection Act. The bill also outlines permitted uses of AI for administrative support, provided that mental health professionals maintain responsibility for the tasks performed by AI. Overall, the legislation seeks to safeguard the mental health of individuals by restricting the role of AI in therapeutic practices.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3-129a