Could AI renew your prescriptions? In Utah, one already can

AI Prescription Refills: Utah is testing an AI system, Doctronic, to automatically renew prescriptions for conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, and depression, aiming to reduce cost and time for patients.
Doctors’ Concerns: While some see cost savings and efficiency, some doctors fear patient harm and the potential erosion of the physician-patient relationship, prompting state medical board intervention.
Regulatory Waiver: The Utah Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy waived typical licensing to enable AI-assisted clinical decisions, against the state’s medical licensing board’s recommendations.
Phased Review: During the first phase, all prescription renewals are reviewed by doctors; in the next phase, only 10% will be manually reviewed.
Accountability Issues: There is uncertainty regarding liability for errors made by the AI system since normal responsibility lies with the prescribing doctor.
Pilot Expansion: Other AI companies, like Legion Health, are also gaining approvals to offer similar services, and Doctronic is looking to expand to Arizona and Wyoming.
Free Current Service: Doctronic is currently offering the service for free; revenue primarily comes from their televisit service with human doctors.
Legal Uncertainty: There is confusion over regulatory and legal accountability for AI-made medical decisions and whether the AI company will share the responsibility traditionally held by the prescribing doctor.