RI Therapy Chatbot Ban (2026)
Rhode Island H 7349 / S 2197 — Prohibition on AI Therapy and Psychotherapy Services
Rhode Island · R.I. Pub. Laws 2026, ch. 373 (H 7349 Sub A) and ch. 374 (S 2197 Sub A as amended); R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 40.1-5.5, approved June 22, 2026
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- June 22, 2026
- Applies to
- Any person or entity offering AI-based therapy or psychotherapy services accessible to Rhode Island residents
- Enforced by
- Rhode Island Department of Health; Rhode Island Attorney General
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed H 7349 / S 2197 on June 22, 2026, prohibiting any person or business from providing therapy or psychotherapy services using artificial intelligence. Only licensed mental health professionals may conduct such sessions. The law targets AI companion chatbots and virtual therapy products that may lead users to believe they are receiving licensed mental health care from a human professional.
Who is protected: Rhode Island residents seeking mental health services; users of AI companion chatbots
Legal detail
Rhode Island H 7349 Sub A / S 2197 Sub A aa (Pub. Laws 2026, chs. 373-374), approved June 22, 2026, effective upon passage. Enacts R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 40.1-5.5, the Oversight of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Mental Health Care Act. Bars any individual, corporation or entity from providing, advertising or otherwise offering therapy or psychotherapy services unless they are conducted by a licensed professional or provider. Licensed professionals may use AI only for administrative support and supplementary support while keeping clinical responsibility; AI may not make independent therapeutic decisions, interact therapeutically with clients directly, or determine treatment recommendations or plans. Written informed consent is required before AI is used in a recorded or transcribed session. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services may investigate violations; confidentiality violations carry penalties under § 5-37.3-9. No private right of action specified. The companion AI-companion self-harm law (S 2195 / H 7350) is chs. 375-376.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Strength | Moderate |
| Enacted | June 22, 2026 |
| Citation | R.I. Pub. Laws 2026, ch. 373 (H 7349 Sub A) and ch. 374 (S 2197 Sub A as amended); R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 40.1-5.5, approved June 22, 2026 |
| Private right of action | No, agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | EOHHS may investigate violations; confidentiality violations are subject to the penalties in R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-37.3-9. |
| Topics | healthcare AI · consumer protection · automated decision-making |
| Bill text | RI RI Therapy Chatbot Ban (2026) — official record (webserver.rilegislature.gov) |
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Related healthcare AI rules elsewhere
- Missouri AI Therapy Chatbot Ban (SB 1019) · In effect
- PA v. Character.AI (Fake Psychiatrist Chatbot) · Blocked / in litigation
- California AB 489 (AI healthcare chatbot misrepresentation ban) · In effect
- AZ HB 2175 (AI Insurance Denial — Physician Review) · In effect
- Illinois SB 3114 — Transparency in Downcoding Act · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Nebraska LB 77 (no AI-only prior-auth denials) · In effect
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