AI Frontier Institute

AI-ASSISTED THERAPY RESEARCH

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Illinois HB5003, introduced by Rep. Bob Morgan, amends the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act (225 ILCS 155) by adding Section 20.1 to create a limited, time-limited exemption allowing AI-assisted therapy or psychotherapy services within qualified clinical research programs at academic medical centers. A 'qualified research program' must be conducted by or under supervision of an academic medical center affiliated with an accredited medical school, licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health, and accredited by the Joint Commission; must have IRB approval from an IRB registered with the HHS Office for Human Research Protections with at least annual continuing review; must use AI systems that comply with HIPAA, undergo documented safety testing, include real-time crisis monitoring, and serve only as adjuncts to licensed mental health professionals; must obtain informed consent from all participants and guarantee their right to withdraw without penalty; and must maintain a data safety monitoring plan and plan to disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications. Licensed professionals participating must hold an active Illinois license, receive AI-specific training, maintain ultimate clinical responsibility, and be available to intervene when needed (Section 20.1(c)). Academic medical centers must register existing qualifying programs within 90 days of the effective date, register new programs with the Department within 30 days of IRB approval, submit annual reports, and notify the Department within 10 business days of any IRB suspension or termination (Sections 20.1(d) and 20.1(g)). Research participants may not be denied access to standard care as a condition of participation (Section 20.1(h)). The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation must maintain a public registry of qualified programs and coordinate with professional licensing boards (Section 20.1(i)). Violations—including misrepresenting commercial services as qualifying for the exemption—result in loss of exemption status, civil penalties under Section 30, referral to licensing boards, and a minimum two-year ban on seeking new exemption status (Section 20.1(j)). The Department must submit a report to the General Assembly by July 1, 2029 evaluating program outcomes, adverse events, and whether the exemption should be continued, modified, or allowed to expire (Section 20.1(k)). The entire provision is repealed on January 1, 2030 (Section 20.1(n)).

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