KY AI Therapy Restrictions
Kentucky AI Therapy Restrictions Act (HB 455)
Bars licensed mental health professionals from using AI to diagnose or deliver therapy, and prohibits AI from making independent therapeutic decisions or generating treatment plans without licensed therapist review.
Jurisdiction
Kentucky
Enacted
Pending
Effective
TBD
Enforcement
Professional licensing boards
Passed House 88-7 on February 24, 2026 (crossed over to Senate, referred to Committee on Committees) but no further Senate action was recorded. Kentucky's 2026 regular session was a short even-year session that adjourned mid-April; the bill did not advance to a floor vote before adjournment. Not explicitly confirmed as died via a sine die statement — inferred from the stalled action history and the session's end.
Kentucky LegislatureWhy It Matters
Establishes clear boundaries between AI tools and licensed mental health practice, prohibiting AI from substituting for professional therapeutic judgment while allowing administrative use.
Recent Developments
No Senate action recorded after the 2026-02-24 committee referral; treated as having died with the 2026 session's adjournment.
At a Glance
Applies to
Harms addressed
Requires
Who Must Comply
- Licensed mental health professionals (psychologists, social workers, counselors)
- AI system developers and deployers in therapeutic contexts
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- Prohibits AI from making independent therapeutic decisions
- Prohibits AI from generating treatment plans without licensed therapist review
- Requires written patient consent if AI is used for session recording or transcription
- AI may be used for administrative/clerical tasks with explicit consent
Exemptions
Administrative Use Exemption
AI may be used for administrative and clerical tasks (scheduling, notes, records) with explicit patient consent
- • Explicit patient consent obtained
- • AI not used for diagnosis or therapy
Religious Counseling Exemption
Religious counseling, peer support, and self-help materials are exempt
- • Not licensed mental health professional
Compliance & Enforcement
Penalties
Professional licensing sanctions (unprofessional conduct)
View on map
Kentucky
Focus Areas
Cite This
APA
Kentucky. (n.d.). Kentucky AI Therapy Restrictions Act (HB 455).
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Last updated August 2, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.