AB 659: 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 physician’s and surgeon’s 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 person’s 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 provide that a person who violates this provision is not subject to criminal penalties, as specified.