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SF 1856

Usage of artificial intelligence in the utilization review process prohibition provision

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Boldon and 3 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill prohibits artificial intelligence from making or determining utilization review decisions for healthcare coverage, requiring human medical judgment in insurance treatment authorization processes.

Comm report: Amended, No recommendation, re-referred to Commerce and Consumer Protection
#commerceandcommercedepartment #insurance-health #telecommunicationsandinformationtechnology
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Bill Summary · SF 1856

Legislative bill overview

SF 1856 prohibits the use of artificial intelligence in utilization review processes—the medical assessment procedures insurance companies use to determine whether to approve, deny, or modify healthcare treatments. The bill restricts AI decision-making in these reviews, likely requiring human review or establishing guardrails around automated determinations that affect patient care authorization.

Why is this important

Utilization reviews directly impact patient access to prescribed medical treatments and procedures. If AI systems make or heavily influence these decisions without adequate oversight, patients could be denied necessary care based on algorithmic determinations that lack human medical judgment, transparency, or accountability mechanisms patients can challenge.

Potential points of contention

  • Healthcare cost implications: Insurance companies may argue AI streamlines reviews and reduces costs; restricting it could increase administrative expenses passed to consumers or employers
  • Defining "AI use" scope: The bill's specificity matters—does it ban AI analysis entirely, or only final decisions? Overly broad restrictions could eliminate beneficial analytical tools
  • Implementation timeline and burden: Healthcare systems may face significant operational disruption if required to overhaul existing AI-integrated processes quickly without transition periods

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

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