AI Policies & Laws
Learn about university policies and Colorado state laws for using AI responsibly.
University AI Policies
Learn about university policies pertaining to artificial intelligence and responsible use.
APS 6012: Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Overview: AI should be used in ways that are consistent with the university’s mission of education, research, service, and public impact. AI should be used in ways that preserve academic freedom, safeguard privacy and institutional data, maintain appropriate security and risk management, promote fairness and inclusion, and support appropriate and equitable access to AI capabilities, recognizing that tools and implementations may vary across disciplines and use cases. AI should not be used to deceive, manipulate, misrepresent, circumvent established requirements or controls, or
compromise the integrity of research, scholarship, teaching, or other academic work.
Key Takeaway: Use AI responsibly for your work at the university by taking these steps:
- Follow university privacy, security and data governance requirements.
- Protect confidential and sensitive information.
- Verify AI-generated content before using it.
- Use human judgment when making decisions.
- Follow ethical and professional standards.
- Respect intellectual property and copyright.
- Be transparent about AI use when it materially contributes to important university decisions or official outputs.
Colorado AI Regulations
Learn about Colorado laws pertaining to artificial intelligence that apply to your work or teaching at the university.
SB26-189: Automated Decision-Making Technology
Overview: Colorado Senate Bill 26-189 focuses on regulating the use of Automated Decision-Making Technology (ADMT) or AI to make decisions that can significantly affect a person's life such as employment, education, housing, lending, insurance, healthcare and public benefits. The law does not prohibit using AI for these decision-making workflows, however it requires transparency, recordkeeping, consumer notices and opportunities for human review when AI materially influences high-impact decisions.
Key Takeaway: If you use AI to create a decision-making workflow that impacts a person's life (education, healthcare, etc.) you must notify the individual when AI is being used in these consequential decisions. You must also maintain technical documentation describing the ADMT's intended uses, categories of training data, known limitations, and instructions for appropriate use and human review. You are required to retain records necessary to demonstrate compliance with the act for at least 3 years.
Additional Colorado AI Regulations
Awareness of other Colorado laws that may be applicable to your work or research at the university.
HB26-1139: Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care
Overview: The act requires entities that use an artificial intelligence system (AI system) for the purpose of conducting utilization review of health-care services shall disclose to the division of insurance, the department of human services, or the department of health care policy and financing, as applicable, and is not used in any way that discriminates against individuals in violation of other state or federal laws. It must be periodically reviewed to ensure the AI systems outcomes are accurate and reliable and that an individual's health data is not used beyond its intended or stated purpose.
HB26-1195: Psychotherapy Artificial Intelligence Restrictions
Overview: The act requires synchronous, real-time interaction with a regulated professional for any form of therapeutic communication where an AI system is used. Except for educational, administrative, simulation, or training purposes or as part of a research program, a regulated professional shall not use an AI system to provide, direct, or guide psychotherapy, clinical intervention, counseling, diagnosis, treatment planning, or other activity that constitutes the practice of psychotherapy with an individual or group unless the use satisfies the conditions specified in the act.
Ethical Principles for AI Use at the University of Colorado Anschutz
Prioritize Human Creativity
AI should be used in ways that maintain and prioritize human judgment and creativity, aligning with the university’s mission to provide high-quality education and to advance research and service.
Use Judgment and Oversight
Use of AI does not replace or alter existing decision-making authority. Responsibility and accountability for decisions and outcomes cannot be delegated to an AI system. Recognize that AI systems may reflect or amplify inaccuracies, biases, or incomplete information and should exercise judgment when relying on AI-generated outputs.
Awareness of Individual Wellbeing
AI should be used with awareness of potential impacts on individual wellbeing. Exercise caution when applying AI in contexts involving sensitive personal, emotional, or psychological matters, and do not rely on AI as a substitute for qualified professional or institutional support services.