CA AB489: Health care professions: deceptive terms or letters: artificial intelligence.

In one paragraph

California's AB 489 (Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 4999.8-4999.9) makes the laws barring use of terms, letters or phrases that imply a health care license one does not hold enforceable against anyone who develops or deploys AI or generative AI that uses them in its advertising or functionality. AI technology may not use terms implying that its care, advice, reports or assessments come from a licensed natural person. Each use is a separate violation, under the jurisdiction of the relevant licensing board. Signed October 11, 2025 (Chapter 615); effective January 1, 2026.

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

What it means for business

Developers and deployers of AI health tools must not use protected license titles, letters or phrases in ads or features, or imply a licensed human is giving the care, advice or assessments; each use is a separate violation enforced by licensing boards.

Key provisions

1. 1Adds Chapter 15.5, Health Advice From Artificial Intelligence (Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 4999.8-4999.9); AI and generative AI are defined by reference to Gov. Code §§ 11546.45.5 and 11549.64; a health care profession is any profession licensed or regulated under Division 2 (healing arts) or a related initiative act
2. 2Any provision of Division 2 that bars using specified terms, letters or phrases to indicate or imply a health care license or certificate without holding it is enforceable against a person or entity that develops or deploys a system or device using them in the advertising or functionality of an AI or generative AI system, program, device or similar technology
3. 3Using a term, letter or phrase in the advertising or functionality of AI or generative AI technology that indicates or implies that the care, advice, reports or assessments it offers are provided by a natural person holding the appropriate health care license or certificate is prohibited
4. 4Each use of a prohibited term, letter or phrase is a separate violation
5. 5Violations are subject to the jurisdiction of the appropriate licensing board or enforcement agency; boards may seek an injunction or restraining order (§ 125.5), and other remedies remain available; the Legislative Counsel's Digest notes the act expands the scope of existing crimes
6. 6Signed by the Governor October 11, 2025 (Chapter 615, Statutes of 2025); effective January 1, 2026

Latest legislative action

Oct 11, 2025. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 615, Statutes of 2025.

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