In one paragraph
Mississippi's HB 1720 (2026) would bar licensed mental and behavioral health professionals (counselors, psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, art and music therapists) from using AI in their practice, except for administrative and supplementary support such as scheduling and billing. It would bar anyone from offering therapy to the public, including through Internet-based AI, unless a licensed professional conducts it. Civil penalty up to $10,000 per violation. It died in committee on February 3, 2026.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died and never became law. It would have barred licensed therapists from using AI beyond administrative tasks, and barred offering therapy, including via AI, unless conducted by a licensed professional; civil penalty up to $10,000 per violation.
Key provisions
- Licensees could not use AI in the practice of professional mental or behavioral health care, except for administrative or supplementary support (scheduling, billing, records, operational data analysis, finding referrals)
- Support services would not include independent therapeutic decisions, direct therapeutic communication with clients, unreviewed treatment recommendations, or detecting a person's emotional or mental state
- Where a session is recorded or transcribed, AI use for records, operational data analysis or referrals would need written notice of the tool and its purpose and the patient's (or representative's) explicit written consent, revocable at any time
- No individual, corporation or entity could provide, advertise or offer therapy or psychotherapy services to the public in Mississippi, including via Internet-based AI, unless conducted by a licensed professional
- A violation would carry a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation, and the Attorney General could investigate and sue
- Per its title, would amend Sections 73-30-21, 73-31-21, 73-53-17, 73-54-29, 73-65-13 and 73-66-17 so a violating licensee is subject to licensing-board discipline
- Referred to Public Health and Human Services January 19, 2026; died in committee February 3, 2026
Latest legislative action
Feb 3, 2026. Died In Committee
Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Yancey R | Sponsor | HD-074 |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error