• Illinois: Earlier this month, Illinois banned the use of AI in mental health therapy, becoming one of the few states to enact regulations targeting AI-powered chatbots in mental health. Under the law, licensed therapists cannot use AI to make treatment decisions or communicate with patients. However, therapists can still use AI for administrative tasks. Companies are also not allowed to offer AI-powered therapy services or advertise AI chatbots as therapy tools unless a licensed professional is involved. According to the Washington Post, a few other states, including Nevada and Utah, have also tightened regulations for the use of AI in mental health. Other states, including California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, are currently considering similar restrictions. However, Vaile Wright, senior director for the office of healthcare innovation at the American Psychological Association, said that even if states restrict the use of AI services as therapeutic tools, many people will likely continue using AI for emotional support. "I don't think that there's a way for us to stop people from using these chatbots for these purposes," Wright said. "Honestly, it's a very human thing to do." (Wu, Washington Post, 8/12)
• Maryland: Last week, FDA announced that the nationwide shortage of IV fluid was over after almost a year. Last year, Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 hurricane, led to severe storms across several states and damaged a key IV fluid manufacturing facility in North Carolina. After the storm, many U.S. hospitals faced IV fluid shortages, leading federal agencies to import supplies from other countries and expand manufacturing elsewhere. According to FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, sodium chloride 0.9% injection products have been removed from the agency's list of current shortages, but other IV fluids are still in short supply. FDA is currently working with manufacturers and monitoring supply levels to ensure that patients still have access. (Bettelheim, Axios, 8/12)
• Maryland: The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has named Kim Benner as its next president. Benner is a professor at Samford University's pharmacy school and a pediatric clinical pharmacy specialist at Children's of Alabama. She has also previously served on ASHP's board of directors and advisory groups. Aside from Benner, ASHP also elected a new treasurer and two upcoming board members. Lisa Gersema, system director of clinical pharmacy services at Allina Health, is the organization's new treasurer. Christy Norman, SVP of pharmacy services at Emory Healthcare, and Christopher Scott, chief clinical operating officer at Eskenazi Health, will join ASHP's board in June 2026. (Twenter, Becker's Hospital Review, 8/8)

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