ME LD2082 – An Act to Regulate the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Providing Certain Mental Health Services

MELawState

Date Passed

4/13/2026

Effective Date

7/14/2026

Summary

Restricts the use of artificial intelligence in therapy and psychotherapy services by allowing only supervised administrative or supplementary support, with notice, consent, confidentiality, and professional responsibility requirements.

Healthcare Implications

Creates direct guardrails for AI in mental health care by prohibiting AI from making independent therapeutic decisions or directly communicating with clients. Behavioral health practices, providers, and vendors will need to align workflows, disclosures, and data handling with clinical and privacy standards.

Operational Implications

  • Therapy/psychotherapy services may not be provided unless conducted by a licensed professional; AI may not make independent therapeutic decisions or directly interact with clients in therapeutic capacity.
  • Licensed professionals may use AI for administrative support (scheduling, billing) and supplementary support (preparing client records, analyzing anonymized data) only.
  • For supplementary AI support, must obtain explicit, informed, revocable written consent from client after informing them about AI's use, purpose, and data handling.

Impact Level

High

Keywords

Safety & Risk; Clinical Quality & Efficacy; Transparency & Governance

Stakeholders

Providers & Health Systems; Patients & Public; Developers & Vendors; Regulators & Government