Start Small, Check Everything

On October 5, Utah let a startup called Nolla Health use AI to write a first prescription, not just a refill. It is a pilot inside the state's AI sandbox, for adults with acne, and only for topical creams. Oral medications are off the table. Severe acne and pregnancy go to a doctor instead.

The part worth copying is the oversight. For the first 100 patients, two physicians approve every AI prescription before it reaches the patient. For the next stretch, a physician reviews every case at least weekly. Only after that does review drop to a monthly sample of at least 10 percent, plus every case with a side effect. Utah is careful to say that a place in its sandbox does not mean the state has endorsed the product.

Acne is a sensible place to start. It is common, low risk, and the patient can see whether the treatment is working. An older parent on eight medications from three prescribers is the opposite case. When AI prescribing reaches that household, the family should ask what Utah asked first, who checks the machine and how often.

Start small, check everything, and let trust be earned.