SPRINGFIELD — As artificial intelligence continues to become more widely used, State Senator Ram Villivalam is leading the charge with a new law ensuring those seeking mental health treatment are safeguarded from loopholes allowing AI in health care.

“It is imperative that we provide our communities with the critical mental health support they need and are seeking,” said Villivalam. “By setting guidelines for the use of AI in mental health treatment, we are investing into the well-being of communities, the quality of care they receive and the standards we hold our mental health care professionals to.”

To combat this, House Bill 1806 creates guidelines for professionals who use artificial intelligence in their practice. The law requires services to be delivered by qualified, licensed or certified professionals, and prohibits the use of AI to make therapeutic decisions, such as recommending medications, assessing a patient’s mental state or making recommendations for treatment plans. It also requires a therapist to notify the patient if AI is used in any way.

The guidelines would not apply to religious counseling, peer support or self-help sources that are available to the public and do not offer therapy or psychotherapy services. 

"With the signing of HB1806, Illinois has taken a crucial step to protect vulnerable clients, especially children, from the dangers of unregulated AI therapy,” said Kyle Hillman, director of legislative affairs for NASW-Illinois. “We thank Governor Pritzker, Senator Villivalam, and Representative Morgan for their leadership in safeguarding human-centered and ethical mental health care. This law ensures that licensed professionals remain at the heart of therapy while responsibly allowing AI to assist without compromising safety or privacy."

House Bill 1806 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.