AB 659
Master of Divinity: physician and surgeon: title.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Appropriations
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill clarifies advertising regulations within the medical field in California. It specifically prohibits individuals with a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from using titles like ‘MDiv’ or ‘M.D.i.v.’ in communications or advertisements related to their practice, unless clearly distinguished from the standard ‘MD’ or ‘M.D.’ title. The bill aims to prevent confusion between religious and medical professionals and avoids criminal penalties for violations.
Key provisions
- Prohibits the use of ‘MDiv’ or ‘M.D.i.v.’ in medical advertisements.
- Requires clear distinction between ‘MD’/’M.D.’ and ‘MDiv’/’M.D.i.v.’ in communications.
- Specifies prohibited methods of distinction, such as color, font, or font size.
- Excludes criminal penalties for violations of the provision.
Who is affected
- Medical professionals
- Individuals offering healthcare services
- Religious institutions
- Advertising agencies
- Healthcare organizations
Notable changes
- Adds a specific prohibition regarding the use of ‘MDiv’ or ‘M.D.i.v.’ in medical advertising.
- Clarifies the existing prohibition on using ‘doctor’ or ‘physician’ titles without a license.
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AB659:v99#DOCUMENT
Bill Start
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 659
| Introduced by Assembly Member Berman |
| February 14, 2025 |
An act to add Section 600 to the Business and Professions Code, relating to advertising.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 659, as introduced, Berman. 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.
Digest Key
Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
Section 600 is added to the Business and Professions Code, immediately preceding Section 601, to read:
600.
A person who has earned a Master of Divinity shall not display 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.” 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.” A person who violates this section shall not be subject to the criminal penalties set forth in Section 2054.