Lawmakers Want to Ban AI from Using the Title “Nurse” – Only Humans Are Nurses

3 Min Read Published February 4, 2025
Lawmakers Want to Ban AI from Using the Title “Nurse” – Only Humans Are Nurses

Oregon lawmakers are addressing concerns about artificial intelligence in healthcare with House Bill 2748, which aims to ensure that only humans can be called nurses. The bill, introduced by State Representative Travis Nelson, a nurse and Portland Democrat, would prohibit any "nonhuman" entity, including AI, from using the title of "nurse.”

The Rise of AI in Healthcare Sparks Concern

The introduction of House Bill 2748 comes in response to recent technological advancements that have raised questions about the future role of AI in nursing. A tech company's announcement of a $9-per-hour AI program capable of performing tasks typically associated with nurses has intensified the debate surrounding the potential replacement of human healthcare workers by artificial intelligence. This development has prompted lawmakers to consider the implications of such technology on patient care and the nursing profession as a whole.

Key points of HB 2748:

  • It is a narrowly focused, one-page bill.
  • The bill would ban any non-human entity from using the title "nurse" or similar titles.
  • It aims to protect patient safety and maintain public trust in healthcare.

Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, supports the bill, emphasizing its importance for public safety and the need for clarity regarding the qualifications associated with the title "nurse.”

At its core, House Bill 2748 seeks to safeguard the essential human aspects of nursing that cannot be replicated by artificial intelligence. The legislation emphasizes the importance of empathy, critical thinking, and the nuanced decision-making skills that human nurses bring to patient care. By specifying that only humans can be nurses, the bill aims to preserve the interpersonal relationships and emotional support that are fundamental to the nursing profession.

The Future of Nursing in the Age of AI

While House Bill 2748 is narrow in scope, it represents one of Oregon's first attempts to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. This legislative action reflects growing awareness of the need to establish guidelines and boundaries for AI implementation in medical settings. As AI technology continues to advance, similar initiatives may emerge in other states, potentially shaping the future landscape of healthcare regulation across the country.

As House Bill 2748 moves through the legislative process, it is likely to spark broader discussions about the role of AI in healthcare and the future of the nursing profession. While the bill specifically addresses the use of the title "nurse," its implications extend to the larger question of how artificial intelligence will be integrated into healthcare systems. As technology continues to evolve, lawmakers, healthcare providers, and technology companies will need to collaborate to develop comprehensive policies that harness the benefits of AI while preserving the essential human elements of patient care.

The bill has already had its first hearing in the House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee, where discussions touched on the rapid advancement of AI in healthcare and the need for accountability in AI-driven patient advice.

Rep. Nelson has expressed interest in broader legislation allowing patients to opt out of AI-based treatment, but such measures are unlikely to be enacted before the current session ends in June 2025.

🤔What do you think about AI “nurses?” Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.

 

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Angelina Walker
Angelina Walker
Sr. Director, Digital Marketing and Community

Angelina has her finger on the pulse of everything nursing. Whether it's a trending news topic, valuable resource or, heartfelt story, Angelina is an expert at producing content that nurses love to read. As a former nurse recruiter turned marketer, she specializes in warmly engaging with the nursing community and exponentially growing our social presence.

Education:
Bachelor of the Arts (BA), Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies - Ethnicity, Gender, and Labor, University of Washington

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