A bill sponsored by the California Medical Association (CMA) that addresses dangers associated with the use of artificial intelligence in health care has passed out of the Legislature this week and heads to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for signature.

Assembly Bill 489 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta prohibits artificial intelligence systems from being misrepresented as licensed medical professionals and provides California’s state health professions boards, such as the Medical Board of California and the Board of Registered Nursing, with clear authority to enforce title protections for health care workers. The bill aims to ensure that new technologies in health care are deployed in ways that protect patient safety, preserve trust, and support the physician-patient relationship.

“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.”

As AI adoption increases across the health care industry, news reports have documented instances of chatbots posing as licensed medical professionals, potentially leading to inaccurate or unsafe medical advice being followed. AB 489 provides needed safeguards to ensure AI systems are used responsibly and transparently.

AB 489 received nearly unanimous support, with 39 yes votes in the Senate and 79 yes votes in the Assembly. The passage of AB 489 underscores CMA’s commitment to ensuring that emerging technologies enhance – not undermine – safe, high-quality patient care.