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Senate Health & Welfare reviews bill to bar AI from delivering therapy in Vermont
Summary
The Senate Health & Welfare Committee considered S.241, which would prohibit entities and licensed professionals from providing therapeutic mental‑health services using artificial intelligence while allowing narrow exceptions for transcription and administrative support under informed consent and professional review.
A Senate Health & Welfare Committee hearing on Jan. 16 reviewed S.241, a proposal that would bar any person or entity from offering, providing or advertising mental‑health services in Vermont that use artificial intelligence.
The bill, sponsors said, grew out of concerns raised by the National Association of Social Work about instances where AI responses have affirmed or escalated harm for people in crisis. "There have been instances where people have been talking to AI, particularly around feeling suicidal," a committee sponsor said, arguing that AI can give affirmative responses without human judgment.
Tina of the Office of…
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