An Act to Regulate the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Providing Certain Mental Health Services
Sponsored By: Amy Kuhn (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Therapy clients keep choice and remedies
Providers cannot deny therapy solely because a client refuses AI use for supplementary support. Any client waiver of the law's AI protections is void and unenforceable. Clients or their authorized representatives can still bring claims for harm tied to AI administrative or supplementary support. They can allege professional negligence and seek other remedies available under law. The law sets no compensation amount.
Therapy clients keep human oversight
AI cannot make therapy decisions on its own or communicate directly with clients to diagnose, treat, or address mental health concerns. AI treatment suggestions or plans require the licensed provider's review and approval. Providers remain responsible for AI interactions, outputs, and data use, and must ensure the technology follows privacy and confidentiality laws. Professional standards still apply, and licensing boards can discipline providers who violate the AI rules. The boards must adopt implementing rules subject to Maine's major substantive rulemaking process.
Public therapy offerings require licensed professionals
Therapy offered or advertised to the public in Maine must be provided by a licensed professional, including Internet-based AI therapy. Violations fall under the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act. This protects clients but bars standalone AI therapy without a licensed professional. AI interventions used solely in research approved by an institutional review board are exempt from this law's AI restrictions. The research must follow applicable federal protections for human participants.
Therapists can use AI with safeguards
Covered Maine-licensed providers can use AI for non-therapeutic support, such as scheduling, billing, or preparing therapy notes. Use must stay within their licensed practice and professional standards; AI cannot replace clinical judgment. Supplementary support requires a recorded or transcribed session. Before that use, providers must explain in writing the AI's purpose and how session data is stored, retained, used for training, and deleted when therapy ends. The client or legally authorized representative must give clear, specific, informed, voluntary written consent that can be revoked. Blanket acceptance of terms, actions involving electronic content, or deceptive methods do not count as consent.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Amy Kuhn
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Teresa S. Pierce
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 687
4/13/2026PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
4/8/2026SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/8/2026HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-980) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-980), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
4/7/2026SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-980).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/7/2026HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES in concurrence
1/7/2026SenateCommittee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
1/7/2026House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-980), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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