A bill sponsored by the California Medical Association (CMA) that seeks to address risks related to artificial intelligence in health care has cleared the state Legislature and is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature.
Assembly Bill 489, introduced by Assemblymember Mia Bonta, would prohibit AI systems from being misrepresented as licensed medical professionals. The legislation also grants state health professions boards, including the Medical Board of California and the Board of Registered Nursing, clear authority to enforce title protections for health care workers. Supporters say these measures are intended to protect patient safety, maintain trust, and support the physician-patient relationship as new technologies are adopted in health care settings.
“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.”
With more AI tools being used across health care, reports have surfaced about chatbots posing as licensed professionals and potentially giving unsafe or inaccurate advice. The bill aims to put safeguards in place so that AI systems are used transparently and responsibly.
AB 489 passed with broad legislative support—39 yes votes in the Senate and 79 yes votes in the Assembly—highlighting CMA’s ongoing efforts to ensure new technologies contribute positively to safe patient care.
