Master of Divinity: physician and surgeon: title.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Appropriations
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Create an account to take a stance, submit a written position, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
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.
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Text extraction is in progress. View the official source.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
1 on record
Primary sponsor
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours