The state of Utah has launched a pilot program in partnership with Doctronic to use an AI system for renewing prescriptions for chronic conditions, aiming to expand access to care, particularly in rural areas and for the uninsured. This system allows for 30-, 60-, or 90-day renewals of medications previously prescribed by a licensed provider. The state's Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, established in 2024 and housed within the Department of Commerce, oversees this initiative and can modify regulatory barriers for AI use, which it did for Doctronic.
The Utah Medical Licensing Board, however, has expressed significant concerns and called for the immediate suspension of the program. The board was only informed of the agreement after its implementation and commencement, raising issues about lack of consultation and potential risks to patient safety. They argue that prescription refills require clinical judgment, including reassessment for dosage adjustments, side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions, and that delegating this to an algorithm could constitute the unlicensed practice of medicine.
Despite the board's strong recommendation for suspension, the Department of Commerce has rejected this call. They stated that the pilot, currently in Phase One, involves a licensed physician reviewing every refill decision, ensuring it operates safely at the standard of care. State officials emphasized that there is no autonomous prescribing, and the program will continue. While the state claims medical professionals were consulted before launch, the board maintains that the process moved forward without normal legal and guardrails. The Department of Commerce noted that if safety benchmarks are not met in future phases, the program may be modified or canceled.
