Raw LLM Responses

Utah’s high-profile experiment with using an artificial intelligence system to renew prescriptions without physician oversight is facing its first major challenge as doctors in the state push back. In a letter published Friday, the Utah Medical Licensing Board said it only learned about the pilot program with AI doctor startup Doctronic after it had been launched, and asked the state to halt the program. “Proceeding with this agreement without consulting the Medical Board potentially places Utah citizens at risk and remains a major concern of the board,” they wrote. “It is the strong recommendation of the Utah Medical Licensing Board that this program be immediately suspended pending further discussion.” In addition to screening candidates for a state medical license, the board is charged with making policy recommendations related to the practice of medicine. The board’s letter is the latest sign of discomfort with the AI prescription renewal plan, which experts say poses risks to patients and may run afoul of Food and Drug Administration regulation. “Overseeing prescription refills is a task reserved for properly licensed medical practitioners for critical safety and clinical reasons,” the board wrote. “Each refill requires reassessment and clinical decision-making to safely adjust doses, monitor for side effects, contraindications, or new drug interactions, and ensure the medication remains effective. Patients who continue refilling medications without assessment may remain on outdated or suboptimal therapy for months or years.” “There is a reason prescription refills require physician authorization.” the board added. Proponents argue the pilot is a cautious first step at allowing AI to help address challenges people face getting care. In January, Utah’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy announced an agreement with Doctronic to launch an AI chatbot that can conduct a clinical evaluation of a patient and autonomously renew previously written prescriptions