{
  "id": 12756268,
  "title": "Utah Now Allows AI to Scan Your Face and Prescribe Acne Medication",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/utah-now-allows-ai-to-scan-your-face-and-prescribe-acne-medication",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-08T01:20:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNET",
    "slug": "cnet",
    "url": "https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/an-ai-doctor-in-utah-can-prescribe-medicine/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Utah has become the first state to permit artificial intelligence to scan patients' faces and prescribe acne medication. Healthcare startup Nolla Health, specializing in skincare and acne treatment, charges $5 per month for its subscription service. Users download an app to scan their faces, providing medical history through forms. AI software then evaluates the face and generates an acne severity score. If deemed necessary, a prescription is issued from one of eight approved treatments. This pilot program, set to last a year, involves 100 prescriptions overseen by a board-certified physician before being sent to pharmacies. Nolla Health aims to treat 400 patients, with physician oversight of AI decisions weekly, and monthly audits of at least 10% of prescriptions. The Utah Medical Association CEO, Michelle McOmber, stated that the association wasn't consulted for the pilot program. While AI is unlikely to replace physicians, many believe its use in healthcare is inevitable. McOmber emphasizes the importance of human physicians in patient care, with AI best suited for simple tasks such as gathering medical information.",
  "summary": "The program is limited in scope and can only prescribe medication for acne.",
  "key_points": [
    "Utah becomes first state to allow AI to scan faces and prescribe acne medication.",
    "Healthcare startup Nolla Health offers $5 monthly subscription for the service.",
    "Pilot program involves 100 prescriptions overseen by a physician."
  ],
  "editors_take": "This development signals a shift in healthcare regulation, allowing AI to play a role in diagnosis and treatment, but with strict oversight, amid debate about the technology's potential and limitations.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}