Establishes regulations regarding the use of artificial intelligence in mental health care treatments.

Plain-English Summary

This Rhode Island bill would create rules governing how artificial intelligence (AI) technology can be used in mental health care treatments. As AI tools become more common in healthcare settings — such as apps that provide therapy-style conversations, software that helps diagnose mental health conditions, or programs that recommend treatment plans — this bill aims to establish guardrails to make sure those tools are used safely and responsibly.

The bill would affect a wide range of people and organizations, including mental health providers, healthcare facilities, insurance companies, and patients who receive mental health care in Rhode Island. Patients could be impacted by knowing that any AI tools involved in their care would need to meet certain standards, while providers and health systems would need to follow new rules about how and when AI can be used in treatment decisions.

At this stage, the bill is still in the early phases of the legislative process. It was introduced and referred to the House Health & Human Services Committee, where hearings have been scheduled — though at least one meeting was postponed. The committee has recommended that the bill be held for further study, meaning lawmakers want more time to examine the details before moving it forward. No final vote has been taken, and the bill's specific requirements and standards have not yet been finalized into law.