California AB 489, the Health Advice From Artificial Intelligence Law, prohibits AI systems from implying that their health advice comes from a licensed human professional. A chatbot cannot present itself as a doctor, nurse, or therapist. The law took effect January 1, 2026.
What California AB 489 Prohibits
The ban covers AI and generative AI systems that provide health advice, care, or assessments. Any title, letter, or term that suggests licensed human credentials is off limits. Each prohibited use counts as a separate violation.
Enforcement and Compliance Steps
Enforcement sits with California’s health care licensing boards. Companies offering health-adjacent chatbots or wellness apps to Californians need to audit their product copy, branding, and bot personas. The goal is to make sure nothing implies a licensed human is behind the advice.
Marketing teams should treat the rule as a naming and branding audit item, since even a suggestive title or credential-style term can trigger a violation.
Source: California Legislative Information: AB 489
Report a violation: If you believe a business is violating this law, you can file a complaint with the California Attorney General Consumer Protection.
