WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 489

Health care professions: deceptive terms or letters: artificial intelligence.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Addis and 8 co-sponsors

California law now prohibits healthcare professionals from using deceptive credentials or misleading titles and requires transparent disclosure when artificial intelligence influences patient care or clinical decisions.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 615, Statutes of 2025.
#healthcareprofessions #artificialintelligence #deceptivetermsorletters
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 489

Legislative bill overview

AB 489 prohibits healthcare professionals in California from using deceptive terms, titles, or letters that misrepresent their qualifications, credentials, or the involvement of artificial intelligence in patient care. The bill amends existing healthcare licensing laws to establish clear penalties for violations and requires transparency when AI is used in clinical decision-making or patient interactions.

Why is this important

As AI integration in healthcare expands, patients need protection against fraudulent credential claims and must know when algorithms influence their medical care. The bill addresses growing concerns about unlicensed practitioners using misleading credentials and AI systems providing medical advice without proper oversight, which could compromise patient safety and informed consent.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "deceptive": The bill may create ambiguity about what constitutes misleading use of AI—does recommending AI-assisted diagnostics require specific disclosure language, and how detailed must that disclosure be?
  • Implementation burden: Healthcare providers must establish new processes to identify, track, and disclose AI involvement in care, which could increase administrative costs and liability exposure
  • Enforcement challenges: Determining appropriate penalties and ensuring consistent enforcement across California's diverse healthcare system, including telehealth providers and out-of-state practitioners serving California patients, may prove difficult

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.