Delaware House bars AI and other nonhuman entities from holding clinical licenses

DOVER, Del. — The Delaware House passed House Bill 191 on Tuesday, clarifying that nonhuman entities, including artificial intelligence, cannot be licensed to practice as clinicians or use protected clinical titles in the state.

Representative Romer, a sponsor, told the House the bill "clarifies that a nonhuman entity, including AI, cannot be licensed to practice as a nurse, physician, APRN, or physician's assistant in Delaware." He added, "It prohibits nonhuman entities from using protected clinical titles like doctor, physician, or nurse" and said the measure "keeps clinical judgment and accountability with licensed professionals."

Romer and the sponsor team said the bill does not ban AI in health care; it does not restrict research, decision‑support tools, or innovation but requires that patients always know who is providing care and who is accountable. Romer cited stakeholder input from the Delaware Nurses Association, the Delaware Hospital Association and the Office of Professional Regulation.

The House conducted a roll‑call vote and passed HB191 (recorded in the transcript as 38 yes, 3 absent). The bill was described as a narrow step to protect patient safety while leaving room for AI tools that support licensed providers.

The bill text amends Title 24 of the Delaware Code to clarify licensure and title protections; it does not impose a blanket prohibition on AI research or clinical decision‑support systems.

The bill will move to the Senate for further consideration.