Congress Examines AI's Impact on Youth Mental Health and Drug Development Strategies

The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce convened on September 4, 2025, to examine the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in advancing American health care. The meeting focused on the implications of AI in various health care sectors, particularly concerning patient safety, mental health, and drug development.

The session began with discussions on the importance of establishing trust in AI systems used in health care. A representative highlighted the need for regulatory guidance similar to that of the FDA for medical devices, suggesting a tiered classification system for AI technologies. This framework would help delineate areas requiring rigorous oversight from those that could be expedited.

Dr. Raul Ruiz emphasized the dual nature of AI's potential, noting its ability to expand access to health care while also posing risks, particularly to vulnerable populations like children. He raised concerns about AI systems designed for adults being inappropriate for youth, citing alarming cases where AI interactions led to severe mental health crises. Dr. Ruiz called for safeguards to protect children from potential harms associated with AI technologies.

Dr. Wright, a witness at the hearing, elaborated on the specific dangers AI could pose to children, including the risk of exacerbating mental health issues. He stressed the necessity for AI tools to be accurately represented and not mislead users into thinking they are interacting with licensed professionals. Dr. Wright proposed several measures to ensure safety, including stricter age verification, audit requirements for companies, and educational initiatives for clinicians to better understand AI tools.

The conversation then shifted to the role of AI in drug development, particularly for rare diseases. A representative shared insights from a rare disease patient, highlighting how AI could accelerate diagnosis and treatment by helping clinicians access specialized knowledge and connect with experts in rare conditions. This discussion underscored the potential of AI to enhance the health care system by improving patient outcomes.

In conclusion, the committee's meeting underscored the promise of AI technologies in health care while also addressing the critical need for regulatory frameworks and safeguards to protect patients, especially children. The discussions highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with responsibility as AI continues to evolve in the health care landscape. The committee plans to follow up on these discussions to ensure that the integration of AI into health care is both effective and safe.