California Bill Would Restrict AI in Therapy and Mental Health Triage
The measure would bar chatbots from posing as therapy and require licensed review for AI treatment decisions and patient consent for session recording.
- California Senate Bill 903 would ban companies from advertising chatbots as therapy and require disclosure and patient permission before AI tools are used in mental health triage, according to bill author San Diego Democrat Sen. Steve Padilla.
- Experts warn that chatbots are not effective replacements for true therapy, especially for urgent conditions like suicidal ideation; people turn to AI due to loneliness and unmet needs, but companies rely on business models built around "manipulative tactics" to maximize engagement.
- Opponents argue SB 903 creates a "clinician bottleneck," with TechNet executive director Robert Boykin warning the bill restricts tools helping patients reach care faster during a statewide shortage of behavioral healthcare workers.
- The bill currently awaits a vote in the Assembly's fiscal committee, following similar restrictions in Illinois and occurring amid wrongful death lawsuits accusing chatbot makers of contributing to user suicides.
- Sen. Padilla emphasized that AI is "extremely powerful and consequential," requiring regulation to ensure it supports clinicians; as legislators race to keep up with technology, the debate balances consumer protections against potential benefits of digital health access.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Associated Press News
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