Experts Warn Against Handing AI Full Prescription Power

Proposed legislation would allow AI to authorize drug refills, raising concerns about the role of human doctors in healthcare.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A new bill in Congress, the Healthy Technology Act of 2025, proposes allowing artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning technology to prescribe certain commonly used drugs, provided a human doctor issues the initial prescription. While proponents argue this could help address physician shortages, medical experts warn that fully automating prescription decisions risks undermining the critical role of human doctors in understanding a patient's full medical history and context.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation highlights the growing influence of AI in healthcare, but also the risks of over-automating medical decisions. Experts argue that while AI can assist doctors, it cannot replicate the nuanced, contextual understanding that human physicians bring to prescribing decisions based on a patient's unique needs and circumstances.

The details

The Healthy Technology Act would allow AI to authorize refills for up to 190 commonly prescribed drugs, excluding painkillers and injectables. However, a human doctor would still need to issue the initial prescription. Proponents say this could help address physician shortages, especially in rural areas. But the American College of Physicians has warned that prescription drugs should not be prescribed without the involvement of a physician who knows the patient's full medical history and treatment preferences.

  • The Healthy Technology Act of 2025 is just beginning to make its way through Congress.
  • Utah is the first state considering its own version of the proposed federal law.

The players

Dr. Marschall Runge

A practicing physician in the U.S. and author of the Forbes article warning against over-automating healthcare decisions.

American College of Physicians

A medical organization that has cautioned against allowing AI to prescribe drugs without physician involvement.

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What they’re saying

“In no circumstances should prescription drugs be prescribed without the involvement of a physician who best knows a patient's medical history, treatment preferences, and reaction to various prescribed medications.”

— American College of Physicians

“Tech developers often view healthcare as an engineering problem, missing the invisible texture of the exam room. They are like cartographers who have memorized a map but never walked the terrain.”

— Dr. Marschall Runge, Practicing Physician (Forbes)

What’s next

The proposed Healthy Technology Act will continue to be debated in Congress, with medical groups likely to push for stronger safeguards around the role of human doctors in the prescribing process.

The takeaway

While AI offers opportunities to improve healthcare access, experts warn against over-automating medical decisions and undermining the critical role of human physicians in understanding a patient's full context and needs. Striking the right balance between AI assistance and human oversight will be key as healthcare technology continues to advance.