The Assembly Joint Hearing Health Committee and Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss the implications of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, focusing on its impact on nursing and patient care.

The meeting began with a presentation from a representative of the California Nurses Association (CNA), who raised concerns about the integration of generative AI tools in clinical settings. The speaker emphasized that while these tools are often marketed as time-saving solutions for clinicians, they can inadvertently increase the workload for nurses. Issues such as the need to review AI outputs and correct errors can detract from direct patient care, potentially deskilling nursing roles. The CNA representative called for strong regulatory measures to ensure that AI tools are safe, effective, and equitable before widespread deployment. They advocated for the inclusion of nurses in decision-making processes regarding AI implementation, emphasizing the need for a framework that prioritizes patient safety and quality of care.

Following this, Dr. Brent Sugimoto, a family physician and program director at a medical residency program, shared his insights on the generative AI revolution in healthcare. He acknowledged the benefits of AI tools, such as reducing administrative burdens, but highlighted significant disparities in access to these technologies, particularly in safety net and rural healthcare settings. Dr. Sugimoto pointed out that the high costs associated with AI tools, like AmbientScribe, could prevent many community clinics from utilizing them, thereby widening the gap in care for vulnerable populations.

Dr. Sugimoto also raised concerns about the potential biases in AI-generated data, which can lead to misinterpretations in patient records. He recounted a personal experience where an AI-generated transcript inaccurately suggested intravenous drug use based on biased data associations. This incident underscored the importance of workforce training to ensure that healthcare providers can effectively use AI tools and recognize their limitations.

The discussions highlighted the urgent need for equitable access to AI technologies, comprehensive training for healthcare workers, and robust regulatory frameworks to safeguard the rights of nurses and patients. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these issues and develop actionable recommendations to enhance the integration of AI in healthcare while protecting the integrity of nursing and patient care.