The Complete Law & Ethics of AI Policy Pack for California Therapists

Are you using AI to draft notes, summarize sessions, or manage your practice—but staying up at night wondering if your BAA is actually HIPAA-compliant?

Artificial Intelligence is moving faster than grad school ever prepared us for. In California, the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and CAMFT have officially updated their standards for 2026. "I didn't know" is no longer a valid legal defense.

If you are a therapist specializing in nuanced work—LGBTQIA+, poly, kink, or trauma—you know that privacy isn't just a HIPAA requirement; it is a foundation of safety for our communities. You need policies that reflect that reality.

What’s Inside the Policy Pack?

This is a "plug-and-play" digital toolkit. No need to spend $400/hour on a tech attorney to draft your first version.

• The Ultimate AI Vendor Vetting Checklist: Not all BAAs are created equal. Use this checklist to grill your software providers and ensure your data stays in the U.S. and is never used to "train" models without your consent.

• Informed Consent Templates: Ready-to-use language for your intake paperwork that explains exactly how you use AI, what the limitations are, and how clients can opt-out.

• Clinical Rationale Documentation Guide: Meet the new CAMFT Standard Code of Ethics Section 6.6 requirements by learning how to document why you chose a specific tool for a specific client.

• Algorithmic Bias Audit: A framework for specialized therapists to ensure AI tools aren't baking in heteronormative or pathologizing biases into your clinical notes.

Is This Right For You?

This is for you if:

• You are a California LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, or LEP.

• You use (or want to use) tools like AI note-takers, transcription services, or automated scheduling.

• You want to earn your Law & Ethics CEs while actually learning something that protects your practice (3 CEs available).

This is NOT for you if:

• You still use a paper ledger and don’t own a smartphone.

• You are comfortable with the "wait and see" approach to board audits.

Protect Your License. Empower Your Practice.

The BBS is increasingly looking at technology implementation during audits. Be the clinician who has their "Tech Safeguards" folder ready to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this count for Law & Ethics CEs? Not at this time.

Is this just for AI notes? No. This covers the ethical use of AI across your entire practice, from administrative automation to clinical decision support and vendor management.

What if I’m an Associate? This is perhaps even more vital for you. Establishing "Human-in-the-loop" habits now ensures your clinical supervisors can sign off on your hours with total confidence in your digital security.