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Utah is expanding its testing of AI as a tool for prescribing medications with the possibility that some test programs could eventually allow prescriptions to be ordered by AI autonomously without direct clinician involvement. Last week, the state’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy approved several new pilots, including a program that could allow prescriptions for dermatology drugs to be written based on a dermatology app that assesses acne through patient-provided photos. Initially, physicians will review every prescription proactively, but later phases could allow some autonomous prescription fills, according to an analysis in Healthcare Dive.
Industry reactions: Utah’s ongoing AI prescribing initiative is raising questions about patient safety, clinical oversight, and liability. The first pilot program—launched in the state in January 2026 to allow for AI-supported prescription renewals for 192 medications used to treat chronic conditions—apparently remains in the first stage, which still requires physician approval before a prescription is sent, according to the state office’s website. Even so, the Utah Medical Licensing Board and the American College of Physicians are among the professional medical groups calling for suspension and/or reevaluation of these AI-driven prescription programs.