RI AI Mental Health Care Oversight Act
Oversight of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Mental Health Care Act
Prohibits unlicensed individuals and businesses from offering AI-based therapy or psychotherapy services, requires licensed mental health professionals to retain sole authority over therapeutic decisions when using AI tools, and restricts AI from simulating emotional attachment in clinical settings.
Jurisdiction
Rhode Island
Enacted
Jun 22, 2026
Effective
Jun 22, 2026
Enforcement
Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Signed by Governor Dan McKee June 22, 2026 (S 2197 Substitute A / H 7349); took effect immediately upon passage.
Rhode Island General Assembly - S 2197 Substitute A (as amended)Why It Matters
One of the first state laws to explicitly bar unlicensed AI-only therapy services and to restrict AI from simulating emotional attachment in clinical mental health settings, extending the therapy-chatbot-restriction model seen in Illinois, Nevada, and Utah.
Recent Developments
Signed by Governor Dan McKee on June 22, 2026, alongside a companion AI safety bill (S 2195/H 7350) and a healthcare AI disclosure bill (SB 2570/H 7538). Exempts religious counseling, peer support, self-help resources, FDA-cleared tools, and IRB-approved research.
At a Glance
Who Must Comply
- Licensed mental health professionals
- Businesses and individuals offering AI-based therapy or psychotherapy services
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- Prohibits unlicensed individuals or businesses from offering, advertising, or providing therapy or psychotherapy services via AI
- Licensed mental health professionals must retain sole authority over therapeutic decisions, recommendations, and treatment plans; AI cannot make these decisions independently
- AI may not be used to simulate emotional attachment, bonding, or dependency in clinical mental health settings
- Written informed consent (from the patient or, for minors, a parent/guardian) required before AI records or transcribes a therapy session
- AI tools used in mental healthcare must meet the same confidentiality standards as other licensed professional records
Exemptions
Religious Counseling, Peer Support, and Self-Help Exemption
Religious counseling, peer support, and self-help materials/educational resources are exempt.
FDA-Cleared Tools and Approved Research Exemption
AI tools cleared by the FDA or other federal agencies for healthcare use, and research approved by institutional review boards under 21 C.F.R. Pt. 50 and 45 C.F.R. Pt. 46, are exempt.
Compliance & Enforcement
Penalties
The Executive Office of Health and Human Services has investigative authority; violations of the confidentiality provisions are subject to penalties under R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-37.3-9.
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Rhode Island
Focus Areas
Cite This
APA
Rhode Island. (2026). Oversight of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Mental Health Care Act.
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CO AI Healthcare Act
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RI Healthcare AI Notification Act
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IL HB 5511
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Last updated July 13, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.