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VT H0816: An act relating to regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health services

Effective Jun 17, 2026 Vermont · 2025–2026 session

Last verified Oct 1, 2026 · official bill text

H0816 · where it stands

All steps complete
  1. Introduced Complete
  2. Passed first chamber Complete
  3. Passed both chambers Complete
  4. Enacted Complete
  5. Effective Since Jun 17, 2026
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.

In one paragraph

Act 156 bars a corporation or other entity from providing, advertising or offering mental health services to the public, including through AI, unless the services are provided by a licensed mental health professional or are part of an approved institutional review board or privacy board study. Professionals may still use HIPAA-compliant AI tools if they review and approve the services, and FDA-authorized digital therapeutics prescribed or recommended by a professional are allowed. Violations by entities are enforced under the Consumer Protection Act, including by private suits. Effective June 17, 2026.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

AI chatbots or apps offering therapy-like mental health services to Vermont users must be delivered by licensed professionals; violations expose companies to consumer-protection suits.

Key provisions

  1. Entities may not provide, advertise or offer mental health services, including AI-delivered services, unless a mental health professional provides them or they are part of an approved IRB or privacy board study (18 V.S.A. § 7115(b))
  2. Covers therapeutic communications (diagnosis, treatment, clinical guidance, emotional support, treatment planning) and therapeutic decisions
  3. Professionals may use HIPAA-compliant AI tools if they review and approve the services; FDA-authorized software medical products prescribed or recommended by a professional are allowed (§ 7115(d))
  4. Entity violations are Consumer Protection Act violations: the Attorney General and private parties have the remedies of 9 V.S.A. ch. 63
  5. A professional's prohibited use of AI is unprofessional conduct under OPR and Board of Medical Practice rules
  6. AI Advisory Council must report on regulating AI use by mental health professionals by January 15, 2027

Latest legislative action

Jun 17, 2026. Signed by Governor (Act 156)

Sponsors

NameRoleDistrict
D Sponsor HD-CHI2
D Sponsor HD-CHI21
D Sponsor HD-ORA2

Related and companion bills

Topics and industries

Related topics

AI HealthcareUser-Facing AI

Affected industries

HealthcareTechnology

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

Related AI laws in Vermont

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Same topic in other states

Tennessee HB1470 AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 47 and Title 63, relat Rhode Island S2197 Establishes regulations regarding the use of artificial intelligence in mental h Virginia HB2154 Hospitals, nursing homes, and certified nursing facilities; patient access to in Oregon HB2748 Relating to the use of nursing titles. Maine LD2082 An Act to Regulate the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Providing Certain Menta Nevada AB406 Makes various changes relating to health. (BDR 34-674)