A bill aimed at addressing the risks posed by artificial intelligence in health care has been approved by the California Legislature and is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature. The legislation, Assembly Bill 489, was sponsored by the California Medical Association (CMA) and authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta.
Assembly Bill 489 prohibits AI systems from being presented as licensed medical professionals. It also grants state health professions boards, including the Medical Board of California and the Board of Registered Nursing, authority to enforce title protections for health care workers. The intent is to ensure that technological advancements in health care do not compromise patient safety or trust.
“Patient trust is the cornerstone of medicine, and AB 489 helps preserve that trust in an era of rapidly advancing technology,” said CMA President Shannon Udovic-Constant, M.D. “By ensuring patients know when they are interacting with artificial intelligence systems rather than a licensed clinician, this bill safeguards transparency, accountability and the integrity of medical care. CMA thanks Assemblymember Bonta for championing this vital protection.”
Recent news reports have highlighted cases where chatbots were mistaken for licensed clinicians, raising concerns about inaccurate or unsafe advice being provided to patients. The new bill aims to establish clear guidelines so that AI tools are used transparently and responsibly within clinical settings.
The legislation received broad bipartisan support in both chambers: 39 yes votes in the Senate and 79 yes votes in the Assembly. Its passage reflects CMA’s ongoing efforts to ensure new technologies contribute positively to patient care standards.
