As generative AI alters Colorado’s medical system, state lawmakers propose some guardrails
As generative AI alters Colorado’s medical system, state lawmakers propose some guardrails
Publish Date: 2026-03-06 16:47:00
Source Domain: www.kunc.org
A pair of Colorado bills to restrict the use of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare is the first AI regulation moving through the statehouse this year. The policies include banning therapists from using chatbots with patients, and placing more restrictions on how generative AI is used in the medical field.
House Bill 1195, focuses on guardrails for how licensed mental health professionals can use AI in psychotherapy and would prohibit psychologists, counselors, and social workers from using AI chatbots to communicate directly with clients. They also could not use AI to generate treatment plans or therapeutic recommendations without approval and review from a regulated mental health professional.
“I think mostly the number one thing it does… is making sure that therapy stays between humans,” said Democratic Rep. Gretchen Rydin, of Littleton, a main sponsor and a practicing licensed therapist.
Rydin said providers could still use AI for administrative and support tasks, such as note-taking or scheduling appointments, but if a therapist uses AI to record or transcribe therapy sessions, it would require written informed consent from the client.
Companies would also be restricted from marketing artificial intelligence tools as psychotherapy, and it would be illegal to provide or advertise those services in Colorado unless they are delivered by a regulated professional.
The measure sailed through committee with unanimous support.
Another piece of legislation, House Bill 1139, would ban health insurance companies from using AI systems exclusively to deny coverage and requires companies to take individual medical histories and circumstances into account when making coverage decisions. It also requires decisions to be reviewed by a qualified human expert.
“The goal of the bill is simple,” said Blair Skinner, president of the Mental Health Advocacy Network of Colorado, who testified in support of it at the hearing. “AI…
