Is AI ready to take over your prescriptions? Some doctors are wary

A prescription refill program in Utah using an AI chatbot called Doctronic has sparked a debate on the role of AI in medicine.
The AI program allows patients to refill prescriptions online without a doctor’s visit, raising questions about regulation and safety.
State laws currently limit prescribing to licensed medical professionals, leading to a debate on whether these laws should be updated to include AI technologies.
The program was launched through a “regulatory sandbox” that allowed the temporary application of new rules for promising AI technology.
There’s concern among medical experts about the potential risks and safety measures needed for AI in healthcare, especially given the potential for dangerous drug interactions or side effects.
The medical licensing board in Utah learned about the program after its launch and called for it to be halted due to the inherent risks.
Pushback against AI in medicine largely comes from economic concerns voiced by doctors and healthcare workers fearing job losses.
The FDA has taken a hands-off approach to regulating AI in healthcare, which some experts view as problematic for patient safety.