Mental health service providers; definitions, use of artificial intelligence system, civil penalty.
About This Bill
Latest Action · Jul 21, 2026
Continued from last session
Session
2027
Introduced
Jan 12, 2026
Primary Sponsor
Barbara A. Favola· primary
Summary
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A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 54.1-2400.1:1, relating to use of artificial intelligence system by mental health service providers; civil penalty.
Use of artificial intelligence system by mental health service providers; civil penalty. Permits the use of an artificial intelligence system by mental health service providers to assist in providing therapy or counseling services if such mental health service provider maintains full responsibility for all interactions, outputs, and data use associated with the system. The bill prohibits the use of an artificial intelligence system to provide therapy or counseling services without a mental health service provider. The bill specifies that records kept by mental health service providers must comply with health records privacy requirements; creates an exception for religious counseling, peer support, or self-help materials and educational resources; and establishes a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for violations of the statute.