An article recently highlighted AI Appreciation Day, but it also shed light on a noteworthy piece of legislation recently enacted in Rhode Island: the “Use of Artificial Intelligence by Healthcare Providers Notification Act,” which is set to take effect on June 16, 2026.
The primary goal of this law is to ensure that patients are adequately informed about the use of artificial intelligence by healthcare providers. It includes three key definitions: two concerning healthcare entities—“Healthcare providers” and “healthcare facility”—and a third defining AI as “any technology that can simulate human intelligence.” This encompasses a variety of techniques, such as natural language processing, language model training, reinforcement learning from human input, and machine learning systems.
In contrast to the often lengthy AI regulations seen in other states, Rhode Island’s law is succinct. Section 23-106-3 of the Rhode Island General Statutes provides a clear directive:
All healthcare providers and facilities that utilize artificial intelligence to document both in-person and telehealth appointments must inform patients of AI's involvement in this documentation and subsequently verify the accuracy of the AI-generated records after the consultation.
In a concise 43-word summary, the law mandates that healthcare providers and facilities
(1) notify patients about the use of AI in documenting their appointments, whether in-person or virtual; and
(2) ensure a review is conducted on the AI-generated documentation.
Our Perspective
This straightforward law addresses a generally non-controversial matter: informing patients that AI is employed in their healthcare documentation process. It acknowledges longstanding privacy concerns related to healthcare data, providing patients with clarity on how their information is being handled. This focus on transparency not only benefits patients but also alleviates some documentation burdens from providers, potentially allowing more time for direct patient care. It’s important to note that the law only mandates notification regarding AI's role in documentation and does not extend to other AI applications, such as diagnostic imaging. Furthermore, the law’s simplicity aids compliance, as there are no strict wording requirements for the notifications.
Healthcare facilities and licensed providers in Rhode Island must stay informed and compliant with these emerging AI-related regulations. With over 450 AI-related legislative measures currently under consideration across the United States, it’s likely that other states will take note and possibly introduce comparable laws.
