IL State Rep. Bob Morgan’s Ban on AI Therapists Secures Bipartisan Support, Heads to Governor’s Desk for Final Signature
- NASW-IL Staff
- May 30
- 2 min read
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SPRINGFIELD—As a continued advocate for ensuring patient access to personal, high-quality care, Illinois State Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) championed House Bill 1806 (HB1806) this session which creates the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act, banning the use of AI therapists. This bipartisan measure safeguards consumers from AI chatbots and unlicensed individuals providing mental health care.
“The future of artificial intelligence is here. Every day, we see the development of AI grow exponentially, without the necessary guardrails in place. By passing HB1806, we’re taking action to fight back against unregulated tech and to protect our most vulnerable patients,” said Rep. Morgan.
House Bill 1806, an initiative of NASW-IL and sponsored by Sen. Ram Villivalam and Rep. Bob Morgan, requires all therapy services to be conducted by a licensed professional and prohibits AI from providing direct patient care. Licensed professionals may use AI only if they maintain full responsibility for its interactions; however, therapists cannot rely solely on AI to make patient decisions or treatment plans. The bill also bans AI-generated transcriptions of client sessions unless the patient is fully informed and consents to their use.
“Some of these products look like therapy, talk like therapy, but operate outside every ethical standard we’ve built to keep clients safe,” said Kyle Hillman, Director of Legislative Affairs for the National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter (NASW-IL). “This bill doesn’t block innovation—it draws the line at where innovation ends and professional care begins. AI can support mental health systems, but it doesn’t belong in the therapist’s chair,” concluded Hillman.
House Bill 1806 passed unanimously in both the House and Senate and now heads to the Governor’s desk for final consideration.
You can still take action on this bill to ensure the governor signs it into law! Send an action alert to the governor here.
“Our behavioral healthcare system cannot afford to be replaced by unqualified chatbots with no malpractice liability. By explicitly laying out what AI technology can and cannot be used for, patients are better protected, providers can continue delivering critical access to care, and treatment plans remain transparent between the client and professional,” said Morgan.
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The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with over 120,000 members. The NASW-Illinois Chapter is one of the association's largest chapters representing over 20,000 licensed Illinois social workers and school social workers, with over 5,000 active members. NASW strives to advance social work careers, grow social work businesses, and protect the profession.
It's so important to have these guardrails in place as AI develops. I appreciate Rep. Morgan's leadership on this issue, and the NASW-IL's work in advocating for the well-being of patients. It's a tricky landscape navigating new technologies, but clearly defining the ethical boundaries in mental health care is crucial. It reminds me of other emerging tech situations where we need to seriously consider the implications. I was just reading about some crazy cattle 3d rendering in a game and how realistic it's getting – but that's just visual! When it comes to mental health, the risks of AI are far more serious. Hopefully, the Governor will sign this into law quickly! Sending an action alert now.
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