State Senator Steve Padilla has introduced SB 903, a bill that would prohibit artificial intelligence from providing or advertising “therapy” unless a licensed mental health professional is responsible for the care. The legislation responds to the growing use of AI-powered therapy tools and ongoing concerns about patient safety amid high demand for mental health services.
Under the bill, AI could only be used by mental health providers for administrative or support functions, such as transcription, and only with patient consent. The measure would bar AI from independently interacting with clients, making treatment decisions, or developing care plans without review by a licensed clinician.
SB 903 builds on recent California efforts to regulate AI in health care, including laws protecting young people using chatbots and preventing AI tools from portraying themselves as health care providers.