AI recording tool used in therapy sessions

Kaiser mental health professionals worry about privacy with new technology, even though patient consent is required

- By ROXSY LIN

In 2024, Kaiser Permanente announced the rollout of Abridge.

Described in a news release as “ambient listening technology,” the AI-powered scribe is designed to help clinicians including mental health providers securely capture clinical notes during patient visits.

But what the description fails to indicate is that the tool records entire medical appointments, including deeply personal mental health sessions.

During these sessions, mental health professionals are required to obtain patients’ consent before using the tool. However, as shared by multiple providers, that consent process does not include explanations about how the information is handled. Nor does it say how long and where recordings are stored, or who has access to the data.

This happens in part because that information has not been shared with providers, despite their attempts to obtain it.

Empty assurances

Ilana Marcucci-Morris chose not to use the platform with her patients. She is a licensed clinical social worker with Kaiser psychiatry in Oakland. She is also a member of a bargaining committee. In that role, she regularly meets with various Kaiser representatives, including Northern California’s director of mental health.

Marcucci-Morris describes how, during those meetings, she and other committee members have asked questions about patient privacy protections, HIPAA compliance, and the safeguards in place for the use of these technologies.

According to her, the response from leadership has often been empty assurances: “We are compliant. That’s it. That’s all you need to know. We vet the technology, therapist. Don't worry. That's not your job. We have tech experts. That's their job,” Marcucci-Morris said in an interview with American Community Media.