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Health
May 18, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Melbourne Psychiatrist Bars New Patients Without AI Transcription Consent

AI Summary
A psychiatrist in Melbourne is refusing to take on new patients unless they sign consent for AI‑driven note‑taking. The move highlights growing adoption of AI scribes in Australian medicine and raises concerns over data security, accuracy and patient rights.

Psychiatrist Mandates AI Scribe Consent for New Patients

Dr Hemlata Ranga of the Melbourne Clinic in Richmond will only accept new patients who agree to the use of an AI transcription service (such as Heidi Health AI or Microsoft) for session notes. The requirement is spelled out in a registration form that tells patients they must either consent or be referred elsewhere.

AI Transcription Tools Gaining Traction in Australian Healthcare

AI‑driven note‑taking is becoming commonplace: the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners reports that two in five GPs already use such scribes. The surge coincides with rising demand for mental‑health services, prompting clinicians to seek efficiency gains.

Adoption Rates and Market Reach of AI Scribes

  • Use of AI scribes has doubled in the past 12 months, according to the RACGP.
  • Heidi AI has processed 115 million sessions over the last 18 months.
  • Despite rapid growth, concerns linger about transcription accuracy, especially for non‑male, non‑white, non‑heterosexual, or non‑native English speakers.

Implications for Patient Rights and Clinical Practice

Critics argue that making AI consent a condition of care creates a power imbalance. Tom Sulston, head of policy at Digital Rights Watch, warns that patients may self‑censor or be denied care if they refuse data sharing. He stresses that AI tools are currently exempt from Therapeutic Goods Administration regulation because they do not diagnose, leaving a regulatory gap.

Regulatory Outlook and Future of AI in Mental Health Care

Stakeholders are calling for legislation that guarantees a legal right to refuse AI without health repercussions. The Melbourne Clinic notes that its psychiatrists operate independently and disclose AI use, but the broader industry may need clearer standards to protect privacy and ensure equitable care.