Tennessee House Subcommittee To Hear Bill Preventing AI From Impersonating Mental Health Professionals

Image Credit: TN General Assembly & Canva

The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

A bill which would restrict artificial intelligence (AI) systems from being advertised as mental health professionals is set to be heard by the House Population Health Subcommittee on Tuesday, Feb. 17. 

Very straightforward, HB1470 would simply prohibit a developer or deployer of an AI system from advertising the AI as a “qualified mental health professional” to the public. 

A violation would constitute an infringement of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977 as it would be considered an “unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting trade or commerce,” and could also be subject to an additional civil penalty of $5,000 per incident.

The Senate unanimously passed its version of the bill, SB1580, last week after it flew through the committee process with no resistance.

Tennessee Senate Passes Bill Preventing AI From Impersonating Mental Health Professionals

AI continues to be a focal point of this year’s legislative session as lawmakers work to strike an appropriate balance between technological innovation and human rights and protections. 

Tennessee Bill Declares Artificial Intelligence Cannot Be Considered Life

Supporters of HB1470 can contact members of the House Population Health Subcommittee with their thoughts on this legislation using the information below:

Rep.michele.carringer@capitol.tn.gov

Rep.shaundelle.brooks@capitol.tn.gov

Rep.john.ray.clemmons@capitol.tn.gov

Rep.john.gillespie@capitol.tn.gov

Rep.esther.helton@capitol.tn.gov

Rep.sabi.kumar@capitol.tn.gov

Rep.iris.rudder@capitol.tn.gov

Rep.paul.sherrell@capitol.tn.gov

Rep.bryan.terry@capitol.tn.gov

Rep.ron.travis@capitol.tn.gov

Rep.michele.carringer@capitol.tn.gov; rep.shaundelle.brooks@capitol.tn.gov; rep.john.ray.clemmons@capitol.tn.gov; rep.john.gillespie@capitol.tn.gov; rep.esther.helton@capitol.tn.gov; rep.sabi.kumar@capitol.tn.gov; rep.iris.rudder@capitol.tn.gov; rep.paul.sherrell@capitol.tn.gov; rep.bryan.terry@capitol.tn.gov; rep.ron.travis@capitol.tn.gov

About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.