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Bill

HB 995

Health Occupations - Behavioral Health Care Providers - Use of Artificial Intelligence

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julian Ivey and 6 co-sponsors

Maryland bill establishing AI safeguards for behavioral health providers, requiring transparency and oversight standards to protect patients from algorithmic bias and inadequate clinical judgment.

Withdrawn by Sponsor
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Bill Summary · HB 995

Legislative bill overview

HB 995 would establish regulatory standards for how behavioral health care providers in Maryland can use artificial intelligence in patient care and treatment decisions. The bill appears designed to create safeguards, accountability measures, and transparency requirements around AI deployment in mental health and substance use disorder services.

Why is this important

As AI tools increasingly integrate into healthcare settings, behavioral health providers may use AI for diagnostic assistance, treatment planning, or patient monitoring. Without clear guidelines, patients could face risks including algorithmic bias, inadequate human oversight, privacy breaches, or inappropriate AI-driven clinical decisions affecting vulnerable populations. This bill represents states beginning to address regulatory gaps in AI healthcare use.

Potential points of contention

  • Clinical autonomy vs. oversight: Determining how much AI use to permit while maintaining provider judgment and responsibility without excessive regulatory burden
  • Innovation vs. caution: Balancing patient protection against AI limitations with allowing beneficial AI tools to develop and be adopted in behavioral health care
  • Implementation costs: Whether compliance requirements would create financial barriers, particularly for smaller practices or underserved communities already facing mental health provider shortages

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

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