NASW-Florida is proud to support HB 281, which establishes critical safeguards for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapeutic, clinical, and counseling settings. The bill ensures that technology enhances, rather than replaces, the professional judgment and human connection at the heart of social work practice.
Key Provisions:
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Regulation and Oversight: AI-driven tools may only be used in therapeutic settings under clearly defined regulatory standards.
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Accountability: Licensed practitioners retain full responsibility for all therapeutic services, ensuring that ethical standards and human judgment remain central.
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Client Consent: Clients must provide written informed consent within 24 hours before the clinician can use AI in a session.
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Proposed Amendment: NASW-FL will advocate for language requiring that clinicians, registered interns, and certificate holders review and sign each AI-transcribed counseling or therapy note to verify that the documentation accurately reflects the session.
Why It Matters:
This legislation protects the integrity of therapeutic relationships, client safety, and professional accountability as technology evolves. NASW-FL believes that AI can serve as a helpful tool, but never a substitute for the human clinician-client relationship.
Resources:
Stay Engaged:
We invite you to stay engaged. As members of NASW-FL, your voice matters. We will be sharing updates on the bill's progress, committee hearings, and ways you can lend your support. In the meantime, please review our fact sheet and press release for HB 281 (see below). Please distribute amongst your colleagues and future members.