Overview

• The law bars AI from making independent mental health diagnoses, treatment decisions or improvements while allowing licensed professionals to use it for administrative and supplementary support tasks.
• Illinois’ Department of Financial and Professional Regulation will probe public complaints and may impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation under the new framework.
• AI therapy providers such as Ash Therapy have blocked access for Illinois users pending clarity on compliance requirements.
• Regulators face unresolved challenges defining prohibited conduct for general-purpose models and borderline services like meditation or journaling apps.
• Legislatures in California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are advancing bills to restrict AI in therapy, following measures in Utah, Nevada and Illinois.