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Lawmakers debate limits on AI ‘therapy’ as researchers and clinicians clash
Summary
A House committee heard testimony on SB640, which would bar AI chatbots from providing therapy without a licensed professional and create a study commission. Clinicians warned the bill’s drafting is too broad and could block validated AI tools; consumer‑protection advocates pushed for guardrails after citing harms.
The House Executive Departments and Administration Committee on April 1 heard sharply divided testimony on Senate Bill 640, legislation that would prohibit AI systems from independently providing therapy or therapeutic communication and establish a commission to study implementation.
Senator Howard Pearl, sponsor of SB640, told the committee the bill is intended to ‘‘protect public safety while allowing responsible innovation.’’ He said the measure would require licensed New Hampshire professionals to oversee care where licensure is required and would not prevent clinicians from using FDA‑authorized and HIPAA‑compliant AI tools.
Supporters emphasized consumer protection. Lynn Currier, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers–New Hampshire, said the bill…
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