AI Prescriptions in Health Care: Utah’s New Initiative

Utah has marked a noteworthy development in health care by launching what is believed to be the first U.S. pilot program that permits an AI system to issue an initial medication prescription without a doctor’s visit. Nolla Health’s program, introduced on October 5, focuses on acne treatment. Utah residents aged 18 and over can use the Nolla Derm app to get acne treatment advice and, if appropriate, a prescription.

In April, a previous AI-prescribing pilot in Utah faced considerable opposition from physicians. The Utah Medical Licensing Board urged the program’s suspension, citing concerns about safety and clinical oversight, including monitoring side effects and potential drug interactions.

Understanding Nolla Health

Nolla Health is a technology company aiming to increase health care access through AI. Luis Wenus, the company’s co-founder and CEO, emphasizes the importance of affordable, high-quality care. The Nolla Derm app, which focuses on dermatology, has attracted over 175,000 users in 44 states.

Why Choose Acne Treatment for AI Prescriptions?

Nolla Health sees dermatology as a feasible starting point because acne is widespread and treatment for it is standardized. In Utah alone, over 100,000 people have acne, but only about 10 percent visit a dermatologist, often facing long wait times. Some argue that AI should not manage acne prescriptions, pointing out the need for clinical evaluations considering underlying conditions and medication interactions.

How the AI Prescription System Operates

The Nolla Derm app requires users to verify their identity, give informed consent, complete a medical questionnaire, and submit facial scans. The AI analyzes this data, providing a treatment plan in 10 to 15 minutes. If qualified, the system issues a prescription, which can be filled at a pharmacy or delivered.

The AI is not an independent system like chatbots. It operates within a set category of approved acne treatments. In complex cases, patients are referred to doctors. Initially, all AI-generated prescriptions require independent validation by two licensed physicians for the first 100 patients. Over time, if safety measures are met, oversight may lessen.

The Future of AI Prescriptions

The Nolla Health pilot has gained attention since it involves issuing initial prescriptions. Previously, Utah allowed AI systems to renew existing prescriptions for chronic conditions. This new pilot serves as a practical test of whether AI can manage clinical decisions typically made by doctors. If successful, similar models could spread to other states for low-risk conditions with established treatments.

Currently, the program is specific to Utah, applicable only to adults, and limited to certain acne treatments. As the health sector seeks solutions to doctor shortages and lengthy waits, this pilot could foreshadow broader AI-assisted prescribing.

Newsweek reached out to Dr. Zaid Fadul, Nolla Health’s chief medical adviser, and the Utah Medical Licensing Board for their comments and awaits their responses.