SD HB1144

Prohibits AI from making independent therapeutic decisions, interacting with clients in therapeutic communication, generating treatment plans without licensed professional approval, or detecting emotions/mental states

Permits licensed professionals to use AI only for administrative tasks: scheduling, billing, record management, anonymized data analysis, and session transcription with explicit written client consent

Violations carry civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, enforced by the Secretary of the Department of Health, with licensed professionals also subject to disciplinary action by their licensure boards

Applies to psychologists, social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and addiction professionals licensed under South Dakota law

Exempts faith-based counseling by clergy, peer support services, public self-help materials, and school counselors certified by the Department of Education