The 2025–2026 legislative cycle has entered its second year amid rapid change in healthcare and mounting challenges. Legislators have introduced bills addressing patient privacy, the growing use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, and continued efforts to broaden scope of practice for non-physician providers.
The following is an overview of bill proposals currently moving through the legislative process.
AB 2398 Alvarez (D - San Diego) — Practice of Medicine: Physician Graduate License Act
Summary: AB 2398 would allow graduates from medical schools who haven't completed their residency to be licensed in California. Licensees must practice under agreements with sponsoring physicians who maintain active California practices. The license is valid for three years and is renewable with associated fees set by the Medical Board.
Status: Pending Assembly Business and Professions Committee hearing
AB 2448 Berman (D - Palo Alto) — Medical Information: Confidentiality
Summary: AB 2448 would mandate the enhancement of security protocols by businesses handling electronic medical information, particularly for sensitive services like gender-affirming care and abortion-related services. Violations resulting in economic loss or personal injury are considered misdemeanors. The bill clarifies that no state reimbursement is required for compliance costs.
Status: Pending Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee hearing
AB 2457 Connolly (D - San Rafael) — Health Care Provider Credentialing
Summary: AB 2457 aims to extend health care provider credentialing requirements, currently applicable to full-service health care plans, to Medi-Cal managed care plans. The bill mandates a decision on provider credentials within 90 days of receiving a completed application, aligning with existing requirements for other health plans.
Status: Passed out of Assembly Health Committee; re-referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee
AB 2575 Ortega (D - San Leandro) — Health Care Services: Artificial Intelligence
Summary: AB 2575 would require health care facilities utilizing generative AI in patient communications to provide clear AI-generated disclosure. It empowers health care workers to override AI outputs if deemed harmful or non-compliant with laws, ensuring professional judgment is upheld. Additionally, it prohibits discrimination based on reliance on AI in decision-making, allowing workers to file complaints against discriminatory practices. Defendants cannot argue AI-induced harm absolves them of liability if failure to override the AI output was the cause.
Status: Pending Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee hearing
SB 1333 Jones (R - San Diego) — Naturopathic Doctors: Scope of Practice
Summary: SB 1333 seeks to extend the Naturopathic Doctors Act beyond its current expiration of January 1, 2027. The bill updates the scope of practice for naturopathic doctors by authorizing them to perform minor office procedures. It modifies drug prescription rules, allowing naturopathic doctors to prescribe Schedule II to V controlled substances without needing physician supervision or standardized protocols.
Status: Pending Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee hearing
SB 1416 Wahab (D - Santa Clara) — Physicians and Surgeons and Dentists: Unprofessional Conduct
Summary: SB 1416 aims to amend current legislation concerning unprofessional conduct by physicians, surgeons, and dentists. It mandates a reduction in the allowable timeframe for refunding patients for duplicate payments from 30 days to 21 days. This adjustment applies when a patient requests a refund or notifies the practitioner about the duplicate payment. It is part of efforts to ensure compliance with regulations and enhance accountability among healthcare professionals.
Status: Pending vote on the Senate floor
Gabriela Villanueva is CAP’s Government and External Affairs Analyst. Questions or comments related to this article should be directed to GVillanueva@CAPphysicians.com.