What should I say to a patient before using an AI scribe?

Something short, true, and easy to refuse. Nurse practitioners who compared their scripts found that the word AI started a debate about half the time, so most now say my scribe or my phone, and the objections stopped. The line that calms people most is nothing gets saved. One of them added the only rule that matters: make sure it is actually true for the tool you use.

What are clinicians actually saying?

The most liked version in the thread: would you mind if I use my scribe? It listens and writes a note from my template. It helps me stay with you instead of the laptop. You can say no, and you can ask me to stop at any time. Another: is it okay if I use my phone to help me chart while we chat? Another, for patients who worry: if you change your mind at any point, tell me and I will turn it off, and I check every note before it goes in.

Why does the word AI cause trouble?

Because it starts a conversation about the technology instead of the visit. One clinician said that after switching from AI to my phone, the ten-minute explanations stopped. That is not a reason to hide anything. It is a reason to lead with what the tool does for the patient, which is that you look at them instead of a screen.

Is my phone helps me chart real consent?

Not on its own, and the thread said so. A psychiatric nurse practitioner replied that some patients would not grasp what that phrase means, and that this is not informed consent. Another pointed out that a signed written form is the legal minimum. One emergency clinician said he does not mention it at all. A colleague called that a failure of consent, and the room agreed with the colleague.

What does the law say?

It is moving. In Colorado, a law in effect since 12 August 2026 requires a licensed mental health professional to disclose in advance and obtain written consent before an AI system records or transcribes a session. In April 2026, two California health systems were accused of recording patient visits with an AI scribe without consent. Check your own state and your board. This is not legal advice.

What should I check before I promise nothing gets saved?

Whether it is true. Many tools delete the audio and keep a transcript for days or weeks. Some keep de-identified pieces longer. Read the three documents to read side by side, ask the vendor in writing, and only then use the line. For the therapy version of this conversation, see how to ask a client for consent.

The short version

Say something short and true, make no an easy answer, and get it in writing where your state requires it. Do not say nothing gets saved until you have checked. Solanto will make that sentence true: Private Mode will keep the note on the device, and the trust page says exactly what is true today.

The price is on the page, not behind a call. Early access is open: solanto.ai/pricing

Send this to the colleague who says nothing gets saved. Ask them how they know.