AI and Our Healthcare: California Lawmakers Address Biases, Benefits, Access and Safety

June 11, 2025

California legislators are examining the challenges and opportunities of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in healthcare through a joint committee hearing. The Assembly Health and Privacy and Consumer Protection Committees, chaired by Assemblymember Mia Bonta and Rebecca Bauer-Kahan respectively, hosted physicians, researchers, and data analysts to discuss how GenAI affects patient care and potentially perpetuates healthcare disparities. Several bills addressing AI in healthcare are advancing through the California Legislature, including measures that would require testing for bias, mandate disclosure when GenAI is used in patient communications, prevent AI from misrepresenting itself as healthcare professionals, and create safeguards for AI use involving children.

Who is affected

California patients and healthcare consumers
Medical professionals and clinicians
Black, poor, rural, or less educated patients who may experience bias from healthcare AI systems
Children targeted by AI systems
Healthcare facilities, clinics, doctors' offices, and group practices
Developers of AI models used in healthcare settings

What action is being taken

The Assembly Health and Privacy and Consumer Protection Committees are holding joint hearings on GenAI in healthcare
Several AI-focused bills are moving through the California Legislature, including SB 503, AB 489, and AB 1064
Lawmakers are working to develop guardrails to ensure AI tools are ethical, inclusive, and accountable
The Legislature is examining how to minimize harm and guide the development of healthcare GenAI technologies
Researchers are identifying and exposing racial bias in healthcare algorithms

Why it matters

GenAI applications in healthcare are rapidly accelerating and being deployed in medical research, administration, and clinical tasks
AI trained on incomplete or biased data can perpetuate existing health disparities and create new forms of discrimination
Algorithms intended to identify high-risk patients have demonstrated racial bias, misidentifying who needs care based on cost rather than health needs
Current AI systems may lack accountability, safety protections, and proper governance
Without proper oversight, AI could exacerbate healthcare inequalities affecting marginalized communities

What's next

SB 503 has passed the Senate with a 38-0 vote and will proceed through the legislative process
AB 489 has been approved by the Assembly with a 79-0 vote and has moved to the Senate for consideration
AB 1064 (the LEAD Act) passed the Assembly with a 59-12 vote on June 2
These bills will continue through the legislative process toward potential enactment

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint