Utah recently made a big move—allowing AI systems to directly renew prescriptions for patients with chronic illnesses without any doctor signatures. This is the first time in American medical history that the "prescription authority" has been handed over to machines.

How does it work? Patients log into an online system, where AI reviews medication records, conducts a consultation, and if deemed safe, directly sends the prescription to the pharmacy. Simple and straightforward, but it sounds a bit alarming.

Currently, this pilot program is limited to 190 common medications, excluding sensitive drugs like painkillers, ADHD medications, and injectables, to control risks. As a result, Utah has become the first state in the U.S. to allow AI to independently handle prescriptions.

Why do this? The logic from the state government and startups is quite direct: healthcare costs are too high, and there’s a shortage of doctors, especially in rural areas with limited medical resources. Automating routine medication renewals can ease the burden on doctors, and patients won’t be forced to interrupt treatment due to administrative delays. It sounds like a way to open a window for new startups within the existing regulatory framework, giving them a chance to test the waters.

If this approach is widely adopted, the overall efficiency of the healthcare system could improve significantly, but it will also depend on how regulation and oversight are handled—after all, safety is a top priority.