A U.S. lawmaker has introduced a bill that would essentially qualify AI models as practicing physicians, qualified to prescribe medications.
The Health Technology Act of 2025 (HR 238), introduced by Congressman David Schweikert (R-Ky.), would update the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and expand the definition of a practicing physician to include AI and machine learning technologies.
Under the new bill, AI would be able to prescribe medications if they are state-authorized and FDA-approved. The bill is very brief and does not provide any other guidance on the medications that AI can prescribe, or the indications or clinical conditions that AI can treat.
HR 238 was first introduced to Congress last month and soon after passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Schweikert had previously introduced a similar bill in January 2023, but it was blocked. Even with the caveats included in the new bill, HR 238 has been met with skepticism, as most doctors believe we are a long way from a reality where artificial intelligence can reliably decide whether a drug is safe and effective for a patient. Nevertheless, it could lay the groundwork for a future where that might be possible.
Comments