Utah Gives AI Power to Prescribe Some Drugs, Physicians Warn of Risks

Utah has become the first U.S. state to permit artificial intelligence to renew prescriptions for chronic conditions. The state announced a partnership with health-tech startup Doctronic, allowing an AI system to autonomously handle routine prescription renewals for medications such as those for diabetes and hypertension according to the announcement. The pilot is designed to test whether AI can safely and effectively streamline the process, reducing medication noncompliance and related healthcare costs.

The initiative is part of Utah's broader effort to leverage AI in healthcare innovation. The program operates within the state's regulatory sandbox, which allows for the testing of emerging technologies under controlled conditions. Doctronic's AI evaluates patient histories and clinical data to approve renewals for 190 commonly prescribed medications, excluding controlled substances and ADHD drugs.

Medical professionals, however, have expressed concerns about the use of AI in medical decision-making. Critics argue that removing human doctors from the process could lead to errors in detecting drug interactions or subtle clinical red flags according to medical experts. The American Medical Association and other physician groups have warned that AI could introduce new risks to patient safety as health organizations have noted.

Why Did This Happen?

Utah's decision is driven by the need to address medication noncompliance, a major contributor to preventable health issues and avoidable hospital visits. The state estimates that medication noncompliance results in over $100 billion in annual healthcare costs. By automating prescription renewals, the program aims to improve medication adherence and reduce administrative burdens on healthcare providers.

The Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy in Utah has taken a proactive approach to AI regulation, supporting innovation while maintaining safety standards. State officials believe the program will generate valuable data on the effectiveness and risks of AI in healthcare.

The Utah initiative has drawn attention from both technology and healthcare sectors. While the Food and Drug Administration has not yet commented on the program, there is uncertainty about whether the agency could regulate the AI's prescription capabilities as a medical device. The company has secured a unique malpractice insurance policy covering the AI system, ensuring it is held to the same standards as a licensed physician.

Utah's move may influence other states to adopt similar AI-friendly regulatory frameworks. Arizona, Texas, and Wyoming are already exploring similar initiatives, signaling a growing national interest in testing autonomous AI in healthcare.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely monitoring the outcomes of the 12-month pilot, including medication refill timeliness, patient satisfaction, and safety metrics. The results will be publicly reported and could inform future legislation and healthcare AI policies.

One key concern is whether the AI will detect and escalate complex cases to human clinicians effectively. Doctronic claims its AI matches physician treatment plans in 99.2% of cases, but real-world performance will be critical in building trust.

The success of the program could have broader implications for healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas where clinician shortages are common. If the AI proves effective, it may lead to wider adoption of autonomous systems in medication management and other routine healthcare tasks.

The initiative also raises questions about the role of nurses and other healthcare professionals. As AI takes on more responsibility, nurses may need to adapt to new roles in patient education, technology oversight, and care coordination according to healthcare experts.

Utah's experiment is seen as a potential blueprint for balancing innovation, safety, and trust in AI-driven healthcare. The pilot's success or failure will shape how the technology is integrated into the broader healthcare system and how regulatory frameworks evolve to ensure patient safety.