Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay 

January 8, 2026 - As of Jan. 1, 2026, a host of new health care laws have taken effect including some sponsored and supported by the California Medical Association (CMA). These new laws remove administrative barriers, protect the physician-patient relationship from corporate interference and AI, and ensure equitable access to life-saving treatments.

Here is a breakdown of the noteworthy laws going into effect this year, including several CMA-sponsored bills.

CMA-Sponsored Legislation

CMA is proud to announce the implementation of three critical CMA-sponsored bills that directly address pressing challenges to the practice of medicine:

Protecting patients from misleading AI: As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into health care, AB 489 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta protects patients by prohibiting AI chatbots and systems from misrepresenting themselves as licensed medical professionals. The law requires clear disclosures ensuring patients know when they are interacting with an AI tool rather than a human physician, safeguarding the trust inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.

Addressing private equity influence: To address widespread concerns about the impact of private equity ownership in health care – which has been linked to higher costs, lower quality of care and reduced access for patients – SB 351 by Senator Christopher Cabaldon codifies Medical Board of California guidance restricting non-physicians from making business decisions that infringe upon the clinical determinations of physicians. The bill also strengthens the bar against the corporate practice of medicine by empowering the Attorney General to take action against corporate entities interfering in the practice of medicine, meaning that the state can take enforcement action without having to rely solely on civil lawsuits filed by physicians.

Eliminating redundant prior authorizations: Physicians and patients alike have long struggled with the delays caused by prior authorization, a process which forces physicians to obtain health plan approval before treating patients. SB 306 by Senator Josh Becker streamlines this process by giving the Department of Managed Health Care and the Department of Insurance the authority to remove prior authorization statewide on a code-by-code basis. This reform will significantly reduce administrative red tape, allowing physicians to focus on patient care rather than paperwork.

Safeguarding Vaccine Access

In addition to its sponsored legislation, CMA played a key role in the passage of AB 144, a new law that safeguards vaccine access by authorizing state public health officials to maintain broad immunization coverage requirements – even if federal guidelines are narrowed. By ensuring that coverage is based on data from independent medical organizations, AB 144 guarantees that Californians continue to have access to preventive care and vaccines without cost-sharing barriers.

These laws represent a historic step forward in CMA’s mission to promote the science and art of medicine, the care and well-being of patients, and the betterment of public health.

Other notable new health care laws

This year brings relief to millions of Californians living with diabetes through two major initiatives aimed at lowering the cost of insulin:

• SB 40, authored by Senator Scott Wiener, prohibits state-regulated health plans from imposing deductibles on prescription insulin and caps out-of-pocket costs at $35 for a 30-day supply.
• The state’s CalRx initiative is now making generic insulin pens available directly to consumers at pharmacies for a recommended price of $11 per pen, or a maximum of $55 for a five-pack.

Additionally, in vitro fertilization treatment will be much more accessible for Californians thanks to SB 729 by Senator Caroline Menjivar, which went into effect this year after an initial delay. The bill requires large group health plans issued on or after January 1, 2026 to employers with 100 or more employees to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF.   

Source: California Medical Association