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 healthcare, particularly focusing on its impact on nursing practices. The meeting highlighted significant concerns raised by representatives from the California Nurses Association (CNA) regarding the deployment of generative AI technologies in clinical settings.

During the session, the education director of the CNA emphasized that while AI holds potential benefits, it also poses risks that could adversely affect nursing jobs and patient care. Key issues discussed included the possibility of job displacement due to AI nurse agents and the risk that generative AI could justify ongoing understaffing in healthcare facilities. The director warned that rather than alleviating staffing shortages, AI might exacerbate them by undermining nurses' clinical judgment and essential skills.

Concerns were also raised about the accuracy and bias of generative AI tools, with studies indicating alarmingly high error rates. The CNA representative noted that while AI is often marketed as a time-saving solution for clinicians, it can sometimes lead to increased workloads for nurses, as they may need to spend additional time reviewing and correcting AI outputs.

To address these challenges, the CNA proposed several recommendations. They called for robust regulations governing AI in healthcare, emphasizing the need for government involvement in establishing safety and efficacy standards. The association stressed the importance of including nurses and unions in decision-making processes regarding AI deployment, advocating for a regulatory framework that prioritizes patient and nurse safety.

The CNA also suggested that workers should have the right to object to new technologies and that their input should be central to discussions about AI use in healthcare settings. The overarching goal, as articulated by the CNA, is to protect the rights of nurses, patients, and the public while ensuring high-quality care.

The meeting underscored the critical need for ongoing dialogue about the integration of AI in healthcare, balancing innovation with the safeguarding of essential nursing roles and patient safety. Further discussions and actions are anticipated as stakeholders continue to navigate the complexities of AI in the healthcare landscape.