AB 489 (Ch. 615, Stats. 2025) — California health care professions: AI may not imply a licensed professional

Summary

California AB 489 (Chapter 615, Statutes of 2025) adds Business and Professions Code provisions that make it unlawful to use AI or generative AI to provide health information, advice or services while representing, or allowing people to understand, that a licensed health care professional is providing them, including by using protected titles or terms. It also sets statewide definitions of "artificial intelligence" and "generative artificial intelligence" for the Business and Professions Code. Violations are subject to enforcement by the health care licensing boards. Signed October 11, 2025; operative January 1, 2026.

Key dates

1. October 11, 2025Enacted
2. January 1, 2026Takes effect
3. October 16, 2026Checked against sources
4. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: October 16, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. Assembly Bill (AB) 489 (Bonta) was signed by Governor Newsom on October 11, 2025, and becomes operative on January 1, 2026.

   Supports: Signing date and operative date

   It is unlawful for any person, business, or organization to use AI to provide health information, advice, or services while representing, or allowing it to be understood, that such information is being delivered by a licensed professional when it is not.

   Supports: What the act prohibits

   Legislative Advisory: AB 489 (Bonta) Chapter 615, Statutes of 2025 California Board of Psychology Primary source

2. AB 489 (Bonta): Prohibits AI chatbots from presenting themselves as doctors, nurses, or other licensed professionals

   Supports: Listed among laws taking effect in 2026

   New in 2026: California laws taking effect in the new year Office of the Governor of California Primary source