CA AB 1979: Health care services: artificial intelligence.

In one paragraph

California's AB 1979 sets rules for AI in clinical care. Health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, physician offices and group practices must take reasonable steps so licensed providers keep independent professional judgment whenever care is informed by a clinical decision support system, and may not use AI to independently perform licensed clinical work, or to direct unlicensed staff doing it. Businesses offering health care chatbots that consumers use to manage their health information or to diagnose, treat or manage a condition are treated as health care providers under the state's medical privacy law (CMIA). Signed September 30, 2026 (Chapter 854); effective January 1, 2027.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

If you run a California health facility, clinic or medical practice, from Jan. 1, 2027 take reasonable steps so clinicians keep independent judgment over AI-informed care, and don't use AI to independently do licensed clinical work. Health chatbot businesses must follow the CMIA.

Key provisions

1. 1Health facilities, clinics, physician's offices and group-practice offices must take reasonable steps so a licensed provider keeps independent professional judgment whenever care is informed by a clinical decision support system (AI that aids decisions on timing of care, diagnosis or treatment) (Bus. & Prof. Code § 22758.5)
2. 2They may not use or deploy an AI tool, system or device to independently perform a clinical function that legally requires a professional license, or to direct, guide, supervise or instruct unlicensed personnel performing one; trainees in supervised programs are exempt
3. 3Not covered: automated documentation and communication that involve no professional judgment, such as messages about health record updates, reminders, or helping patients find information they ask for
4. 4Enforcement: violations by physicians go to the Medical Board or the Osteopathic Medical Board; licensing boards may seek an injunction where a violation amounts to practicing without a license
5. 5A business offering a health care chatbot to consumers (a generative AI system with a natural-language interface, marketed to support health services, that uses consumers' health information) to manage their information or to diagnose, treat or manage a condition is deemed a health care provider under the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Civil Code § 56.06)
6. 6Signed September 30, 2026 (Chapter 854, Statutes of 2026); effective January 1, 2027

Latest legislative action

Sep 30, 2026. Approved by the Governor; Chapter 854, Statutes of 2026

Sponsors

Related and companion bills

• California AB 2575Health care services: artificial intelligence.
• California SB 903Mental health professionals: artificial intelligence.