New Illinois law limits AI’s role in mental health advice and therapy

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Gov. JB Pritzker has signed a law limiting artificial intelligence models’ ability to give mental health advice in Illinois.

The governor’s office said the legislation, HB1806, protects patients by ensuring AI is not used in mental health and therapeutic decision-making.

However, the new law allows for AI to be used in administrative and support services for licensed behavioral health professionals.

The law is aimed at protecting Illinois residents from unregulated or unqualified AI models, and reserve psychotherapy positions for humans.

“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 (D-Deerfield). “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 will have authority to investigate suspected violations of the new law, with confirmed violations resulting in a fine of up to $10,000.