Senate passes bill to bar AI from using protected clinical titles in Delaware

The Delaware Senate voted to pass House Bill 191, a measure that clarifies nonhuman entities — including artificial intelligence systems — cannot be licensed to practice medicine, nursing or serve as physician assistants in the state.

Senator Walsh, the bill’s floor sponsor, said the measure draws a clear line between human clinicians and AI tools while protecting patient trust: "This bill clarifies that nonhuman entities, including AI systems, cannot be licensed to practice medicine, nursing, or as physician assistants in Delaware" and "prohibits AI systems from using protected clinical titles such as a doctor, physician, or nurse." She said the bill does not ban AI in health care but ensures that clinical judgment and accountability remain with licensed professionals.

Walsh told colleagues the proposal was drafted in collaboration with the Delaware Nurses Association, the Delaware Hospital Association and the Office of Professional Regulation, and that TechNet had raised no opposition at the time of drafting. She described the measure as a "narrow, measured safeguard" designed to protect patients while allowing innovation.

The Senate adopted the bill on a roll call of 20 yes and 1 absent. The bill was declared passed to the Senate for the next step in the legislative process.

Why it matters: Sponsors said the bill preserves the link between licensed clinicians and clinical decision-making at a moment when AI tools that produce clinical-sounding text are spreading in health care. Supporters argued that the measure provides clarity for patients and professionals without blocking beneficial AI tools used for administrative or supportive tasks.

Next steps: With the Senate’s approval recorded on the floor, the bill will proceed along the legislative process for any further steps required under state procedure.