Health chatbots fall under medical privacy law, and AI can't do licensed clinical work
Businesses offering health care chatbots to consumers are treated as health care providers under California's medical privacy law. Hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices may not let AI independently perform clinical tasks the law reserves for licensed professionals, and must protect clinicians' independent judgment.
Who it affects
Health chatbot companies, hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices and patients
When
This law takes effect on January 1, 2027. California laws take effect on January 1 of the year after they are signed, unless the law says otherwise.
- : Signed into law
- : This law takes effect
Official text
California AB 1979: Health care services: artificial intelligence.
On California Legislative Information. The official text is what counts; read it before you act.
Not legal advice. Plain-English summaries to help you find what changes and when. Not legal advice: read the official text, and ask a lawyer about your situation.