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Board votes to support SB 903, which would require client consent before AI transcription/recording in therapy

California Board of Psychology · February 17, 2026

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Summary

The Board voted to support SB 903 (Padilla), a bill requiring client consent before licensed mental-health professionals use artificial intelligence to record or transcribe therapy sessions. Members asked staff to monitor amendments on retention, privacy and enforcement and to revisit the position if language changes.

The California Board of Psychology voted on Feb. 13 to support Senate Bill 903, a measure introduced by Senator Padilla that would require client consent prior to use of artificial intelligence in recorded or transcribed therapy sessions. Miss Mancilla summarized the bill and staff recommended a support position.

Board members asked several clarifying questions before adopting the position, including whether the bill currently specifies data-retention requirements, whether AI tools must meet existing health-privacy rules (such as HIPAA equivalents), and whether the board had received enforcement complaints related to AI use. Staff said the bill as introduced does not yet specify retention language and that the board will monitor amendments; enforcement staff noted the board has been preparing to accept AI-related complaints since AB 489 (chaptered last year) but did not report any specific AI enforcement cases at the time of the meeting.

Public comment: Tyra Rindy and a representative of the California Psychological Association, a co-sponsor of SB 903, thanked the board for support and warned that the bill will likely be amended as it moves through the legislative process.

Vote: The board moved and seconded the support motion and approved it on roll-call vote; staff will track amendments and return to the committee if the bill language changes.

Ending: The board's support is conditional on reviewing amendments; members emphasized transparency for clients and the need to ensure AI use is consistent with health-privacy protections.