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AI Summary
SB903 proposes regulations for AI use by mental health professionals, focusing on ethical AI application in therapy. Specific provisions require verification from the bill text.
Business Impact
If you provide therapy services in California, you must inform patients about AI use and obtain their consent or face penalties up to $10,000 per violation.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
Senate Bill 903 proposes regulations for the use of artificial intelligence in mental health services in California. It aims to protect consumers and ensure ethical AI application in mental health care. Specific requirements, such as patient consent, need verification from the bill text.
Key Provisions
- Specific requirements for licensed professionals to obtain patient consent before using AI in therapy need verification from the bill text.
- The bill's discussion on AI's role in therapeutic decision-making and client interaction requires confirmation from the bill text.
- AI use in therapy should comply with confidentiality laws, subject to verification.
- Definitions for AI, consent, and psychotherapeutic communication are to be verified from the bill text.
- The prohibition of unlicensed individuals or entities from offering therapy using AI needs confirmation from the bill text.
Latest Legislative Action
In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
Bill Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Padilla D | Sponsor | SD-018 |
| Susan Rubio D | Sponsor | SD-022 |
Roll Call Votes (showing 3 of 5)
S ·
Senate 3rd Reading SB903 Padilla et al ·
May 19, 2026
39 Yea
0 Nay
1 Other
Passed ✓
S ·
Do pass ·
May 14, 2026
7 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
S ·
Placed on suspense file ·
May 4, 2026
7 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
Compliance Checklist
Obtain explicit consent from patients before using AI in therapy.
Who: Licensed mental health professionals
Penalty: Up to $10,000 per violation
Who: Licensed mental health professionals
Penalty: Up to $10,000 per violation
Ensure AI does not make independent therapeutic decisions.
Who: Licensed mental health professionals
Penalty: Up to $10,000 per violation
Who: Licensed mental health professionals
Penalty: Up to $10,000 per violation
Full Legal Analysis
Senate Bill 903 proposes a framework for the use of artificial intelligence by licensed mental health professionals in California. It aims to ensure ethical AI application in therapy or psychotherapy. The bill's specific provisions, including those related to patient consent, AI's role in therapeutic decision-making, and compliance with confidentiality laws, require verification from the bill text. It also addresses the prohibition of unlicensed individuals or entities from offering therapy or psychotherapy services using AI, pending confirmation from the bill text.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View SB903 on official legislature website →
Related Topics
Affected Industries
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