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Asm. Mia Bonta Reacts to OpenAI’s Release of ‘ChatGPT Health’

Assemblymember Bonta’s AB 489 went into effect this year putting guardrails on AI in health.

For immediate release:

SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), Chair of the California Assembly Health Committee, released the following statement in response to OpenAI introducing ChatGPT Health, an AI system designed to combine the services of ChatGPT with an individual’s personal medical records and wellness data:

 

“By asking its millions of users to upload their personal medical records to its new ChatGPT Health, OpenAI is opening itself to the highest possible scrutiny regarding data privacy. With Trump and federal Republicans repeatedly taking steps that have made healthcare more expensive, consumers are turning more and more to resources like AI to seek care they might not otherwise access. We need to take real steps to address the real consumer privacy concerns here, which are compounded by the daily cybersecurity threats both the health and artificial intelligence agencies face, as well as the cost pressures driving people away from the doctor's office and onto AI interfaces,” said Assemblymember Mia Bonta. “I’m proud that my bill AB 489, which went into effect at the beginning of this year, will ensure no AI system or chatbot can pretend to hold a medical license, and I am committed to continuing the conversation on the intersection of AI and healthcare in the legislature.” 

 

Assemblymember Bonta’s AB 489 went into effect on January 1st, ensuring state health professions boards and law enforcement agencies have the authority to enforce title protections when AI systems or similar technologies, such as internet-based chatbots, misrepresent themselves as health professionals, such as nurses, doctors, or psychologists. It was a bipartisan bill among the most featured new laws going into effect this year.

 

Read the Full Press Release from AB 489 Being Sent to the Governor

Read Assemblymember Bonta on Trump’s AI Moratorium

 

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Assemblymember Mia Bonta represents California’s 18th Assembly District, encompassing the East Bay cities of Oakland, Alameda, and Emeryville. She also chairs the Assembly Health Committee.

Courtesy photos can be found HERE.