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HB 1470

Health Care - As introduced, prohibits a person from developing or deploying an artificial intelligence system that advertises or represents to the public that such system is or is able to act as a qualified mental health professional. - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 47 and Title 63.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Tim Hicks

Tennessee bill bans AI systems from claiming to be qualified mental health professionals, protecting consumers from unlicensed mental health impersonation.

Placed on cal. Calendar & Rules Committee for 3/12/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 1470

Legislative bill overview

HB 1470 prohibits the development or deployment of AI systems that advertise themselves as qualified mental health professionals or capable of providing mental health services. The bill amends Tennessee's health care licensing and consumer protection laws to establish this restriction, creating legal liability for violations.

Why is this important

As AI chatbots and mental health apps proliferate, this bill addresses a genuine consumer protection concern: people seeking mental health treatment could be misled into relying on unlicensed AI instead of licensed professionals, potentially delaying critical care. The mental health field requires clinical judgment, legal accountability, and professional oversight that AI systems cannot currently provide.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: The bill doesn't clearly define what constitutes "representing to the public" as a mental health professional—does disclaiming AI status in fine print suffice, or is any use of therapeutic language prohibited?
  • Innovation vs. protection: Mental health support tools (crisis text lines, symptom checkers, therapy scheduling apps) could face legal uncertainty if the prohibition is interpreted too broadly, potentially restricting helpful technologies that don't claim professional status.
  • Enforcement challenges: Determining intent and actual representation across digital platforms may be difficult, and penalties/enforcement mechanisms aren't specified in this summary.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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