OpenAI Restricts Use of ChatGPT for Medical Advice

OpenAI recently updated its usage policy to prohibit individuals from using ChatGPT and other OpenAI platforms to provide medical advice, reinforcing the distinction between AI-generated health information and licensed clinical guidance. The policy, announced on October 29, 2025, reflects growing industry and regulatory concern about the use of generative AI in health care settings, particularly where users may misinterpret outputs as diagnostic or treatment recommendations. The policy changes came just days before seven lawsuits were filed in California state courts alleging wrongful death, assisted suicide, involuntary manslaughter, and a variety of product liability, consumer protection, and negligence claims against OpenAI.

Companies integrating LLMs into patient facing platforms should increase their diligence to ensure that product messaging, user interfaces, and disclosures align with both platform policies and applicable health care regulations, including whether the platform is engaged in the practice of medicine.