[Dr. Ron]

As an update, the AB 765 (Wood) Physician Medical Specialty Titles is on Hold in committee as of May 18, 2023.

HELD UNDER SUBMISSION — An action taken by a committee when a bill is heard in committee and there is an indication that the author and the committee members want to work on or discuss the bill further, but there is no motion for the bill to progress out of committee” (Leginfo.ca.gov)

[Dr. Ron]

Hi all,

As it turns out, it is not just NPs affected by this legislation or any related bills. Those who hold PhDs or EdDs may likewise be restricted from using it. What if a PhD does both academic and clinical settings? Should their students stop calling them doctor when they step into a clinical setting?

This has become more of a global Nursing issue rather than just NP (APRN) issue. The ANA and other Nursing organizations need to weigh into this discussion.

~Ron

[Dr. Ron]

As I am sure we are aware, in California Legislation, there is a bill by Wood (AB 765) that is going through legislation that makes it a misdemeanor to use the tile “doctor” unless he/she is a physician or surgeon. There are a number of PhD, DNP, EdD nurses who have earned this title. A lot of nurses (not just DNPs) will be affected — what can we do?

“California AB 765 (Wood) Physicians and surgeons. This bill would enact the California Patient Protection, Safety, Disclosure, and Transparency Act. The bill would make it a misdemeanor for a person who does not have a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon to use any medical specialty title, as specified, or any titles, terms, letters, words, abbreviations, description of services, designations, or insignia indicating or implying that the person is licensed to practice under the act.”

[Author]

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