Utah has launched a first-of-its-kind pilot that allows artificial intelligence to function as an independent clinical decision-maker, operating under a temporary regulatory waiver in partnership with AI firm Doctronic.
Instead of waiting days or even weeks for a physician appointment to renew routine prescriptions, residents of Utah can now interact with an AI-powered assistant online to obtain medication refills almost immediately.
Both Doctronic and state officials believe prescription renewals represent a sufficiently widespread frustration for patients, pharmacists and clinicians that many will be open to using AI as a solution. The company argues that automating refills could help patients stay on their medications and reduce avoidable health complications down the line.
Under the program, the AI system is authorized to renew certain categories of drugs, including cholesterol-lowering statins, blood pressure treatments, select psychiatric medications and contraceptives.
In 2024, Utah lawmakers established an artificial intelligence regulatory sandbox designed to let the state experiment with emerging technologies. Through this framework, Utah’s AI office is empowered to temporarily set aside specific regulations to pilot innovative programs, frequently in collaboration with private-sector partners. The goal is to collect real-world evidence that can later be evaluated and shared with legislators to inform permanent policy decisions.
For the Doctronic pilot, Utah is temporarily suspending multiple statutory requirements, including rules related to professional licensing, clinical scope of practice, standards of professional behavior and restrictions governing telehealth-based prescribing, among other provisions.
Zach Boyd, who serves as the director of the Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy for Utah State, said that for most medical practitioners, boundaries around roles and responsibilities are viewed as essential, formally set by law and required to remain clearly established.
He explained that his office sits within Utah’s Department of Commerce, an agency responsible for continually defining and redefining those boundaries, making it the group’s central expertise to determine where lines should be redrawn and how to recognize when shifts occur over time in practice across government functions.
To qualify for participation in the regulatory relief initiative, Doctronic signed a formal agreement with the state and developed its pilot with built-in safeguards. These include structured safety controls, continuous data and performance reporting to state officials, and strict protections around patient data and privacy.
Company executives said in an interview that the selected use case was intentionally narrow to limit risk. By focusing on scenarios where autonomous AI decisions can be made safely without direct clinician involvement, the program is designed to streamline low-risk, repetitive administrative tasks while reducing the clerical burden placed on healthcare providers.
Adam Oskowitz, the co-founder of Doctronic, said many people have experienced visiting a pharmacy to request a refill only to find nothing authorized, adding that such moments create an ideal opportunity for his team to step in and provide practical assistance broadly.
The company has restricted the scope of the pilot to 191 frequently prescribed medications. Drugs considered higher risk, such as controlled substances, stimulants, injectable therapies and short-course antibiotics, were deliberately left out of the program.
AI Technology Enhances Prescription Safety in Utah
The introduction of AI prescription tests in Utah enables healthcare providers to catch errors before they reach patients. By analyzing complex drug interaction patterns and patient histories, the AI platform helps prevent adverse effects and ensures optimal therapeutic outcomes. This initiative demonstrates Utah’s commitment to embracing advanced technology to protect patients, improve healthcare quality, and pave the way for smarter, AI-driven medical practices across the United States.
The AI tests in Utah are designed to detect potential drug interactions, dosage errors, and contraindications, helping healthcare professionals make more informed decisions. Early trials have shown that these AI systems can significantly reduce medication errors, which remain a major concern in the healthcare industry.
Officials in Utah highlight that this initiative is part of a broader push to integrate AI and digital solutions into healthcare delivery. By leading the nation with these AI prescription tests, Utah sets a precedent for other states and healthcare systems looking to leverage technology for safer and more efficient patient care.
