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Board backs creation of mental health and AI working group to study risks and best practices
Summary
The Board voted to support SB 579, which would create a 15-member mental health and AI working group to evaluate AI uses in mental health care and issue public reports with recommendations.
The Board of Behavioral Sciences voted to support Senate Bill 579 (Padilla), which would require the California Government Operations Agency to appoint a 15-member mental health and artificial intelligence working group by July 1, 2026, to study uses, risks and benefits of AI in mental health treatment.
Roseanne explained the proposed working group would include behavioral health professionals, AI and technology experts, patient-advocacy representatives, the director of health care services, and legislative members. The group would hold at least three public meetings, solicit broad stakeholder input, and deliver a report to the Legislature by July 1, 2028, with best practices and policy recommendations; a follow-up report would be due by Jan. 1, 2030.
Stakeholders who are sponsoring or co-sponsoring the bill urged support. Shanti Ejren noted CAMFT co-sponsors the measure and described the working group as a way to identify guardrails for safe and ethical AI integration. Public commenters including Ben Caldwell, MFT, also supported the approach as a measured, evidence-driven response to the rapid expansion of AI-based mental health tools.
The board adopted a support position and requested staff follow the working-group appointments and reporting timeline.
