California · State AI law
California SB 1120 (Physicians Make Decisions Act)
Health Care Coverage: Utilization Review — AI Guardrails (Physicians Make Decisions Act)
In force
In force since 1 Jan 2025
Status checked 27 Sep 2026
What it covers
Health care service plans, disability insurers, and contractors using AI/algorithm tools for utilization review or utilization management. Medical necessity decisions must be made by a licensed clinician, not AI alone.
Penalties and enforcement
- Maximum penalty
- DMHC administrative penalties; CDI Insurance Commissioner penalties; willful violation by a health plan is a crime under Knox-Keene Act.
- Who enforces it
- California DMHC; California Department of Insurance (CDI)
Bill history
SB 1120 (signed Sep 28, 2024 — Gov. Newsom)
Primary source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov — SB 1120