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Bill

Bill

S 8484

Regulates the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of therapy or psychotherapy services

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kristen Gonzalez and 1 co-sponsor

Bill S 8484 regulates AI in therapy, ensuring licensed systems protect patient data, maintain care quality, and require trained professionals for effective use.

COMMITTED TO RULES
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Bill Summary · S 8484

Summary of Bill S 8484: Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in Therapy Services

Bill Number: S 8484
Title: Regulates the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of therapy or psychotherapy services
Status: Referred to Rules
Introduced: August 20, 2025
Classification: Bill
Related Bills: A 9106 (companion)

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 8484 aims to establish a regulatory framework for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapy and psychotherapy services. The intent is to ensure that AI technologies used in mental health treatment adhere to ethical standards, protect patient confidentiality, and maintain the quality of care provided to individuals seeking mental health support.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several key provisions regarding the use of AI in therapeutic settings:

  1. Licensing Requirements:

    • AI systems utilized in therapy must be licensed and certified by a designated regulatory body.
    • Providers using AI tools must demonstrate compliance with established standards for safety and efficacy.
  2. Data Privacy and Security:

    • Strict guidelines will be implemented to protect patient data collected and processed by AI systems.
    • Providers must ensure that AI technologies comply with existing data protection laws.
  3. Transparency and Accountability:

    • AI systems must be transparent in their operations, allowing therapists and patients to understand how decisions are made.
    • Providers will be held accountable for the outcomes of AI-assisted therapy, ensuring that human oversight is maintained.
  4. Training and Certification:

    • Mental health professionals using AI tools will be required to undergo training and certification to ensure they can effectively integrate these technologies into their practice.
  5. Monitoring and Evaluation:

    • Ongoing monitoring of AI systems will be mandated to assess their impact on patient outcomes and overall therapy effectiveness.

Affected Parties

The bill will primarily affect:

  • Mental Health Professionals: Therapists and psychologists who incorporate AI tools into their practice will need to comply with new licensing and training requirements.
  • Patients Seeking Therapy: Individuals receiving therapy services may benefit from enhanced care quality and data protection measures.
  • AI Developers: Companies creating AI technologies for therapeutic use will need to adhere to the regulatory standards set forth in the bill.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on August 20, 2025, and has been referred to the Rules Committee for further consideration.
  • As a companion bill, A 9106 may provide additional context or parallel provisions in the legislative process.

Conclusion

Bill S 8484 represents a significant step towards regulating the intersection of artificial intelligence and mental health services. By establishing clear guidelines and standards, the bill aims to enhance the safety, efficacy, and ethical use of AI in therapy, ultimately benefiting both practitioners and patients in the mental health field.

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

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