The California Legislature has passed Assembly Bill 489, a CMA-sponsored measure authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta, to address growing concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in health care. The bill now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom for signature.

AB 489 prohibits AI systems from being misrepresented as licensed health professionals and grants state health boards, including the Medical Board of California and the Board of Registered Nursing, apparent authority to enforce title protections.

Supporters argue that the measure safeguards patient safety, preserves public trust, and ensures the physician–patient relationship remains central as new technologies are adopted.

“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.”

With nearly unanimous support in both chambers (39-0 in the Senate and 79-0 in the Assembly), AB 489 reflects a broad consensus that AI must enhance, not undermine, safe and high-quality care.