According to several recent reports, AI usage has been seen to contribute to suicidality amongst individuals struggling with mental health; particularly amongst young adults and adolescents. These individuals sought out the assistance of AI to aid them in their struggles of mental health, only to be met with AI chatbots who gave untherapeutic and problematic advice. It has been noted that human nuance is essential to addressing the mental health needs of individuals and AI cannot replace that. 

SB 903 seeks to regulate the usage of artificial intelligence within mental health spaces, minimizing harm to clients whilst acknowledging the administrative benefits this type of software can provide. This bill aims to limit the type of contact AI has with clients, including prohibiting the usage of AI for therapeutic practices such as transcribing patient information and providing “therapeutic acts” that could influence a client’s wellbeing, such as decisions influencing a client’s safety. If providers violated SB 903, legal action could be taken against agencies. SB 903 reflects the limits of confidentiality within the mental health space, aiming to hold artificial intelligence to the same standard as human providers, who must comply with HIPAA. 

SB 903 is significant for the mental health field because clients and patients should be well informed on who is providing their services. Service users should be able to have a trained professional be their therapist or service provider. Service users should have informed consent on who is dealing with their personal data and be equipped to adhere to user needs in a professional manner. This bill would require the use of AI in mental health-related spaces to comply with the confidentiality requirements of the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act. 

By signing this petition, you are taking a vital step towards making it known to our legislators that AI usage in mental health spaces needs to be regulated in California. Resolving California’s AI usage crisis starts with SB 903!