Utah Approves AI to Prescribe Acne Treatments
Utah becomes first U.S. state to allow AI to prescribe acne medication, sparking debate over medical oversight.
2 min read
Utah has become the first U.S. state to approve the use of artificial intelligence to prescribe acne treatments, marking a significant shift in the role of technology in healthcare. The state has authorized Nolla Health’s AI to issue first-time acne prescriptions starting Monday, according to Bloomberg. This marks the first approval of its kind in the U.S., following previous state approval for AI to handle prescription refills, which faced criticism from physicians.
AI as a Doctor
Luis Wenus, founder of Nolla Health, described the AI as the first ever end-to-end AI doctor in a Monday post on X. The AI tool creates a personalized treatment plan and prescribes acne medication based on a facial scan, as demonstrated in a video. Wenus explained that until now, a licensed clinician had to sign every prescription, but the AI can now make that decision independently.
Pilot Program and Oversight
The AI service, which cannot prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane) or oral medications, is part of Utah’s AI Learning Lab, a sandbox program that eases state rules for testing AI products under state supervision. The state’s Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy (OAIP) and Division of Professional Licensing co-signed an agreement with Nolla Health to allow the AI to write first-time prescriptions for topical acne.
Today, Nolla Health became the first organization in the U.S. (and possibly the world) to receive regulatory approval for an AI to issue initial prescriptions. This makes Nolla the first ever actual end-to-end AI doctor. https://t.co/xn6rvb8IyW
Today, Nolla Health became the first organization in the U.S. (and possibly the world) to receive regulatory approval for an AI to issue initial prescriptions. This makes Nolla the first ever actual end-to-end AI doctor. https://t.co/xn6rvb8IyW
The pilot program includes a four-week initial stage where two physicians must approve every prescription, covering at least 100 patients. Later stages shift to post-review and monthly checks. The OAIP clarified that participation in the sandbox does not imply approval or endorsement of the product, and companies remain responsible for their actions under the agreement.
While the move has sparked discussion, the Utah Medical Association and the American Academy of Dermatology have not yet commented on the development. The use of AI in healthcare continues to raise questions about liability and oversight, with Congress now considering regulations for AI systems. Meanwhile, medical labs are increasingly adopting AI to assist in patient diagnoses.
Source: Daily Caller
