AB 1564: Master of Divinity: physician and surgeon: title.

Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, establishes the Medical Board of California within the Department of Consumer Affairs and sets forth its powers and duties relating to the licensure and regulation of physicians and surgeons.

Existing law prohibits a person from using the words doctor or physician, the letters or prefix Dr., the initials M.D., or any other terms or letters indicating or implying that the person is a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner, unless the person has been issued a physicians and surgeons certificate by the board, and makes a violation of these provisions a crime.

This bill would specifically prohibit a person who has earned a Master of Divinity from displaying the title MDiv or M.D.i.v. in a communication or advertisement relating to the persons practice unless the title is clearly distinguishable from the title MD or M.D. The bill would provide that prohibited displays include, but are not limited to, using different colors, fonts, or font sizes in a way that makes the MD or M.D. more prominent than the iv or i.v. The bill would specify that a person who violates this provision is not subject to criminal penalties, as specified.