Utah lets Nolla's AI issue acne prescriptions without a doctor's sign-off

What is Nolla's AI acne prescription service?

Nolla Health runs the Nolla Derm app. From 5 October 2026 the app can issue an initial acne prescription in Utah using AI, without a doctor reviewing each one once a trial phase ends.

Utah's Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy signed an agreement that gives Nolla limited regulatory relief for 12 months. The agreement says it is not an endorsement by the State of Utah.

How does it work?

Users verify their identity, give consent and answer a questionnaire. They then scan their face from five angles.

Nolla says the person gets a treatment plan and an initial prescription in 10 to 15 minutes. It goes to a licensed Utah pharmacy, with home delivery or pickup.

Who can use it and how much does it cost?

It is open to Utah residents aged 18 and over. The price is $4.99 a month. It covers topical acne treatments only, not pills.

Where do doctors check the AI?

Nolla says the rollout has three stages. For the first 100 patients, two physicians approve each prescription. For the next 500, the AI issues prescriptions and a physician reviews them weekly.

After that, physicians review at least 10% of prescriptions each month, plus every escalation or adverse event. Moving up a stage needs 95% physician agreement, no serious adverse events and state approval.

The AI isn't making freeform decisions. It's selecting from pre-approved protocols reviewed by physicians.

Dr. Zaid Fadul, Nolla Health

Why does it matter?

Bloomberg and The Verge describe it as the first US pilot where AI prescribes without direct human oversight. Acne is a low-risk start, but the same model could reach other conditions.

What's next?

The Utah agreement runs for 12 months. Nolla must report to the state each month, including how often physicians agree with the AI.