Florida Investigates AI Chatbots for Unlicensed Medical Practice

Florida launches regulatory probe into AI health platforms

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has requested the state Board of Medicine investigate artificial intelligence platforms for potentially practicing medicine without a license, citing concerns that automated health recommendations could harm patients who mistake algorithm outputs for professional medical advice.

The move comes as approximately one-third of Americans now use conversational AI platforms for medical information or self-diagnosis, according to Pew Research Center data. Florida officials argue these systems present themselves with unwarranted credibility while lacking critical safeguards.

"This is not a licensed doctor," Uthmeier said during a press briefing. "But because of the design of the algorithms, of the applications, it presents itself as a human being with credibility."

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass highlighted specific safety gaps, noting that automated health guidance often fails to warn users about dangerous prescription interactions.

Why it matters

This regulatory action represents one of the first state-level attempts to apply traditional medical licensing laws to AI systems. The outcome could establish precedent for how states enforce consumer protection in an area where technology has outpaced regulation, while raising complex jurisdictional questions about holding out-of-state technology companies accountable under state medical practice statutes.

Clinical reality proves more nuanced

Healthcare providers report that patients routinely bring chatbot-generated health information into appointments, creating both opportunities and risks. Dr. Matthew Zaideman, a Tallahassee primary care physician, acknowledged the complexity of the emerging dynamic.

"AI is not always going to have the clear picture," Zaideman said. "Not going to have all your labs, not going to have all of your diagnostic imaging, all the things that go into making a good diagnosis and giving you the proper treatment plan."

Zaideman advises patients to treat AI outputs as conversation starters rather than definitive medical guidance, emphasizing the continued need for professional oversight.

Enforcement questions remain unanswered

Under Florida Statute 456.065, unlicensed practice of medicine constitutes a felony. However, significant questions remain about how enforcement would work against technology platforms, particularly those based outside Florida.

Neither the Attorney General's Office nor the State Board of Medicine responded to questions about whether specific cases of physical harm have been documented in Florida or what enforcement mechanisms would apply to out-of-state entities.

Major AI developers also remained largely silent. Microsoft declined to comment, while OpenAI and Google did not respond to inquiries.

Zaideman characterized the current landscape as requiring urgent attention: "AI is kind of the Wild West in general. It probably makes sense to look into that and have some more protection for both physicians and the patients."

These details were first reported by WEAR-TV in Pensacola.