health
January 9, 2026
AI starts autonomously writing prescription refills in Utah
The program allows patients in the state to get prescription refills for 190 common meds.
TL;DR
- Utah is allowing AI to refill prescriptions for certain chronic condition medications without direct human oversight.
- The program is part of Utah's 'regulatory sandbox' framework, allowing temporary waivers of regulations for innovative services.
- Doctronic's AI chatbot must be used by patients to access a doctor appointment and can now refill specific prescriptions for a fee.
- A non-peer-reviewed study by Doctronic claims its AI matched diagnoses in 81% of cases and treatment plans in 99% of cases.
- Initial refills will be reviewed by doctors, but the AI will operate autonomously afterward for most cases.
- Public advocates and watchdogs have criticized the program as dangerous and lacking necessary oversight.
- It is unclear if the FDA will regulate AI prescribing, as it falls under state governance but the FDA regulates medical devices.
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