The Assembly Joint Hearing Health Committee and Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in California's healthcare system, particularly focusing on safety net providers. The meeting featured a series of panels that highlighted both the potential benefits and challenges of AI adoption in healthcare.

The session began with a discussion on the evolving role of technology in medical practice. A panelist emphasized that while new technologies, such as AI, are changing healthcare, the core skills of medical professionals should remain protected. The importance of adapting the workforce to these advancements was also noted.

The second panel featured Cara Carter from the California Health Care Foundation, who shared insights on AI's opportunities and challenges within the safety net healthcare system. She presented two examples of AI applications: one from Los Angeles County, which uses AI to identify individuals at high risk of homelessness, and another from the El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center, which employs AI to assist community health workers serving limited English-speaking populations. Carter stressed the need for AI to be safe, trustworthy, and equitable, highlighting ongoing efforts to establish guidelines for responsible AI use.

Dr. Ziad Obermeyer, a physician and researcher, followed with a presentation on how AI can enhance healthcare delivery. He discussed the identification of racial bias in existing algorithms and the potential for AI to improve patient outcomes, particularly in predicting risks for sudden cardiac death. Obermeyer showcased a low-cost device that generates electrocardiograms via smartphones, illustrating how AI can facilitate early detection of health issues and reduce unnecessary hospital visits.

Throughout the meeting, panelists underscored the importance of accountability in AI deployment, advocating for policies that ensure ethical use of patient data while promoting innovation. They called for a balanced approach that prioritizes patient safety and privacy without stifling technological progress.

In conclusion, the hearing highlighted the early stages of AI adoption in California's healthcare system, emphasizing the need for intentional policymaking to address data availability, workforce readiness, and patient trust. The discussions set the stage for future legislative efforts aimed at integrating AI into healthcare while safeguarding vulnerable populations.