Is AI ready to take over your prescriptions? Doctors are wary of Utah’s automated refill program

A prescription refill program launched in Utah involves AI chatbot Doctronic, sparking a debate on AI’s role in medical tasks traditionally performed by doctors.
The program raises questions about AI regulation, the need for doctors’ veto power, and safety for patients, given state and federal laws limit prescribing to licensed professionals.
Proponents argue that AI should meet rigorous standards similar to those for human doctors and suggest updating laws to include AI technologies.
The Utah program operates under a “regulatory sandbox,” allowing AI companies to offer promising technology without strict adherence to all local laws.
There are concerns regarding the potential risks of AI handling prescription refills, especially for medications with significant side effects and interactions.
Lawmakers in several states are pushing for formal licensing of AI medical services, with industry support and pushback largely driven by workforce job security.
Though the FDA oversees AI impacting medical care, it currently takes a hands-off approach, allowing AI companies like Doctronic to expand nationally despite varied regulatory standards.

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