Arizona bill restricting AI in medical decisions advances to Senate

• Arizona lawmakers want to prohibit the use of AI in medical decision-making. It requires doctors to personally review medical claims and prior authorizations.
• State Rep. Julie Willoughby, a registered nurse, sponsored the bill to protect healthcare access.
• Other states are also considering similar AI regulations in medical practices.

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A bill to prevent artificial intelligence from making medical decisions is one step closer to becoming law in Arizona. On Thursday, Feb. 20, lawmakers in the state’s House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the measure, which will now go to the Senate for approval before reaching Gov. Katie Hobbs’ desk.

The bill requires doctors and healthcare providers to personally review medical claims or prior authorizations rather than allowing AI to play a role in the decision-making process. It specifically prohibits using AI in medical care denials that require a doctor’s professional expertise. Once reviewed, the claims would proceed to insurance companies for further consideration, as is typically done.

Supporters stress patient protection

State Rep. Julie Willoughby, a registered nurse, sponsored House Bill 2175. She emphasized the importance of protecting individuals seeking healthcare.

“With the advancement of AI algorithms in just about every part of our lives now, we want to make sure this doesn’t hinder any healthcare,” Willoughby said while introducing the bill on Feb. 4.

A spokesperson for the Arizona Medical Association raised concerns over the growing reliance on AI instead of human medical judgment. They explained while conditions or illnesses may share common features, every medical case is unique and cannot always be reduced to data points.

Growing momentum for AI regulations nationwide

The debate surrounding AI’s role in healthcare has intensified in recent years. In 2023, the American Medical Association revealed that health insurer Cigna had denied over 30,000 insurance claims using AI-driven algorithms.

If passed into law, the proposed measure would also impose penalties for doctors found violating the rule, deeming it unprofessional conduct subject to discipline by the state medical board.

Arizona is not alone in pursuing such regulations. California implemented similar restrictions earlier this year, requiring doctors to oversee how AI is used to approve, alter or deny medical requests. Lawmakers in Nebraska, Texas and Illinois have also introduced bills to regulate when and how AI can be used in medical decisions.