Tennessee ban on AI posing as mental-health professionals (SB 1580)
Tennessee · Tenn. Public Chapter 647 (2026), Tenn. Code Ann. § 33-1-205 · effective 2026-07-01
Summary
A person who develops or deploys an AI system may not advertise or represent to the public that it is, or can act as, a qualified mental health professional. A violation is an unfair or deceptive act under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, with a $5,000 civil penalty per violation.
Who must comply
Anyone who develops or deploys an AI system and advertises or represents it to the public in Tennessee.
What you must disclose
No AI notice is required. Do not advertise or represent the AI as a qualified mental health professional, or as able to act as one.
When: Whenever the system is advertised or represented to the public.
Exemptions
- None stated in the act.
Penalties
$5,000 per violation, plus the penalties and remedies of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, which lets a person with an ascertainable loss sue.