A new prescription refill program in Utah has raised concerns among doctors and experts. The program, which uses an AI chatbot to refill prescriptions, has been hailed as a convenient and efficient way to manage healthcare, but some are warning of potential risks to patients.

How the Program Works

The program, called Doctronic, allows Utah residents to refill their prescriptions online without having to visit a doctor’s office. The AI chatbot, which is overseen by a five-member board of AI specialists, asks patients about their prescriptions and medical history before renewing their prescriptions.

While the program’s creators say it has numerous safeguards in place, including human doctors reviewing all refill orders, some experts are warning that the program could put patients at risk. Dr. Alan Smith, a family physician and head of the state’s medical licensing board, says that the program’s list of refillable medications includes blood thinners, which can be dangerous if patients develop certain medical conditions.

Regulatory Concerns

The program has also raised regulatory concerns, with some experts questioning whether the program should be allowed to operate without stricter oversight. The FDA, which is responsible for regulating medical technology, has indicated that it plans to take a hands-off approach to the program, at least for now.

Other states, including Texas and Wyoming, are also exploring the use of AI in healthcare, with some lawmakers introducing legislation to formally license AI medical services. However, experts warn that the lack of clear regulations and guidelines could put patients at risk and undermine trust in the healthcare system.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.