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Committee backs stronger AI safeguards: supports AB 489 and recommends psychologist on SB 579 working group
Summary
The committee supported AB 489 to prohibit AI impersonation of licensed health professionals (with staff amendments under consideration) and voted to recommend the full board support SB 579 if amended to ensure a licensed psychologist sits on the proposed mental‑health AI working group.
The committee reviewed two related bills aimed at curbing unsafe uses of artificial intelligence in mental‑health care and stepped toward formal board positions.
Staff described Assembly Bill 489 as a measure to prohibit AI systems or other actors from using language that falsely suggests care is provided by a licensed human practitioner, and to give health boards enforcement authority over violations. The board had already taken a "support with recommended amendments" position; staff said conversations with the author had been productive and that proposed language to add "reports and assessments" was under consideration.
Public commenters and staff emphasized consumer risk from impersonation. "There have been...terrible consequences that can come from impersonation of mental‑health providers," said Dr. Elizabeth Winkelman of the California Psychological Association, citing published incidents and ongoing concern.
Committee members discussed enforcement practicalities and the need for investigative expertise. Sandra Montarubio, the board’s enforcement program manager, said the Division of Investigation has received a small number of AI‑related complaints and that future investigations will rely on AI subject‑matter experts and the Attorney General’s Office when appropriate.
On SB 579, which would create a state mental‑health and AI working group to study the role of AI in mental‑health settings and report to the Legislature, committee members and public commenters urged that a licensed psychologist be explicitly included among designated participants. Tyra Rindy of the California Psychological Association said the author was open to amending the bill’s membership language. The committee voted to recommend the board take a support position on SB 579 if amended to ensure psychologist representation; the motion passed unanimously.
Ending: The committee recommended support for AB 489 (support with staff’s suggested clarifying amendments) and recommended the full board support SB 579 if the author amends membership to include a licensed psychologist. Staff were asked to continue negotiating precise amendment language and to report back to the board.
