California AB 489 Chatbot Law

Chatbot Laws · verified Oct. 21, 2026

AI and generative AI systems may not use terms, letters or phrases in their advertising or functionality that indicate or imply the care, advice, reports or assessments come from a human who holds a health care license. Existing title-protection laws for licensed health professions can be enforced against the people who develop or deploy such AI. Each use is a separate violation.

Who must comply

Any person or entity that develops or deploys an AI or generative AI system, program, device or similar technology whose advertising or functionality uses such terms. The text never uses the word 'chatbot' and applies to AI systems generally; the Senate Judiciary analysis frames it around chatbots claiming to be doctors, psychologists or nurses.

What it requires

Therapy and licensed titles	Using a term, letter or phrase in an AI system's advertising or functionality that indicates or implies the care, advice, reports or assessments come from a natural person with the appropriate health care license or certificate is prohibited. Existing laws barring unlicensed people from using licensed-profession titles can be enforced against anyone who develops or deploys AI that uses those terms.§ 4999.9(b)-(c)
Other duties	Each use of a prohibited term, letter or phrase is a separate violation of the chapter.§ 4999.9(d)

Therapy and licensed titles

Using a term, letter or phrase in an AI system's advertising or functionality that indicates or implies the care, advice, reports or assessments come from a natural person with the appropriate health care license or certificate is prohibited. Existing laws barring unlicensed people from using licensed-profession titles can be enforced against anyone who develops or deploys AI that uses those terms.§ 4999.9(b)-(c)

Other duties

Each use of a prohibited term, letter or phrase is a separate violation of the chapter.§ 4999.9(d)

Enforcement

Enforced by	Health care licensing boards and enforcement agencies, under their own practice acts§ 4999.9(a), (d)
Private lawsuits	Not stated
Penalties	The chapter states no dollar amount. Violations fall under the appropriate board's jurisdiction; the board may seek an injunction or restraining order under Bus. & Prof. Code 125.5; other remedies are not limited. Each use is a separate violation.

Key dates

January 1, 2026The law takes effect

Related laws

California AB 1979Health care services: artificial intelligence
Takes effect Jan. 1, 2027

Note

This law covers AI systems generally, not only chatbots. It is listed here because it applies to chatbots that present themselves as licensed health professionals.

Sources

AB 489 bill history, California Legislative Information Supports: Assembly 79-0, Senate 39-0, concurrence 79-0; approved and chaptered Oct 11, 2025.
2025 chapter number list, California Secretary of State Supports: Chapter 615 is AB 489, dated 10/11/2025.
Governor's Oct 13, 2025 signing announcement Supports: AB 489 (health care professions, AI) listed among signed bills.
Senate Judiciary Committee analysis of AB 489 (July 15, 2025 hearing) Supports: Bill targets AI chatbots claiming to be licensed doctors and psychologists.
Medical Board of California meeting material (Dec 4, 2025) Supports: AB 489 chaptered, #615; boards may enforce under their practice acts.
AB 489 (text), California Legislative Information Supports: 4999.8-4999.9 provisions and Digest.

Questions

When does California AB 489 take effect?

January 1, 2026: The law takes effect. It is in effect as of November 4, 2026.

Who does California AB 489 apply to?

Who enforces California AB 489?

Health care licensing boards and enforcement agencies, under their own practice acts. Penalties: The chapter states no dollar amount. Violations fall under the appropriate board's jurisdiction; the board may seek an injunction or restraining order under Bus. & Prof. Code 125.5; other remedies are not limited. Each use is a separate violation.