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Pending Law AI Safety

PA AI Mental Health Therapy Act

Pennsylvania Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Therapy Act (HB 1993)

Imposes explicit prohibitions on AI systems making therapeutic judgments, generating treatment plans without human review, or simulating emotional interaction. Violations treated as unprofessional conduct under Commonwealth licensing laws.

Jurisdiction

Pennsylvania

Enacted

Pending

Effective

TBD

Enforcement

Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology; Professional Licensure authorities

Referred to Professional Licensure Committee on October 24, 2025. Session: 2025-2026.

Pennsylvania General Assembly

Why It Matters

Strengthens human oversight requirements for mental health AI. More restrictive than disclosure-only approaches (ME, MN). Targets therapeutic AI capabilities.

Recent Developments

Mirrors Illinois WOPR Act. Referred to Professional Licensure Committee October 2025. No committee votes as of January 2026.

At a Glance

Applies to

AI CompanionMental Health App

Who Must Comply

  • Mental health practitioners using AI in Pennsylvania
  • AI system developers offering mental health services
  • Companies advertising AI-based therapy services

Obligations fall on:

Safety Provisions

  • Prohibits AI from making independent therapeutic judgments
  • Prohibits AI from generating treatment plans without licensed human review
  • Prohibits AI from simulating emotional interaction in therapeutic context
  • Violations subject to professional disciplinary action

Compliance & Enforcement

Penalties

license revocation

License revocation

View on map

Pennsylvania

Focus Areas

Mental health & crisis
Algorithmic accountability
Active safeguards required

Cite This

APA

Pennsylvania. (n.d.). Pennsylvania Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Therapy Act (HB 1993).

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Last updated February 17, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.