The examining board of psychology (board) is opening chapter 246-924 WAC, Psychologists, to consider amending and possibly creating new rule sections.

The board will consider establishing rules on how a licensed psychologist or psychological associate may integrate AI or other technologies into their practice ethically, responsibly, and in a manner that supports patient health and upholds professional standards. This may include rules that address: Patient informed consent; patient privacy; continuing education to support AI literacy; professional responsibility; and other topics suggested by the board, department of health, or members of the public.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: AI is a fast-developing technology with important implications for the behavioral health field. This has led the American Psychological Association to publish ethical guidance for the practice of psychology. Additionally, news outlets have reported both positive and negative impacts of AI on behavioral health, such as administrative efficiencies, improved identification of hospital patients who would benefit from substance use disorder interventions, AI psychosis, and failure of large language models to appropriately respond to individuals experiencing crisis or suicidal ideation.

The potential benefits of this evolving technology have led to many behavioral health providers questioning how to integrate AI into their practices. To address this issue, the board will research, discuss, and consider how licensed psychologists and psychological associates can use AI and other technologies to assist with the practice of psychology in Washington state.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Nancy Delgado, P.O. Box 47850, Olympia, WA 98504-7850, phone 360-236-4951, TTY 711, email psychology@doh.wa.gov, website www.doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Interested parties can participate in drafting the proposed rules. The board will be conducting rules workshops with interested parties and subject matter experts. The board will use the GovDelivery examining board of psychology list to inform interested parties of opportunities to provide input on proposed rule language.

To subscribe to GovDelivery, please go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new. After signing in, please click open the box labeled "Health Systems Quality Assurance." Next, click open the box labeled "Health Professions" and then click on "Examining Board of Psychology." You may also check the box next to one or more of the other professions listed to receive information related to that specific profession.