CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 765Introduced by Assembly Member WoodFebruary 13, 2023 An act to amend Section 2054 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 765, as introduced, Wood. Physicians and surgeons.Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of physicians and surgeons by the Medical Board of California. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for a person who is not licensed as a physician and surgeon under the act, except as specified, to use certain words, letters, and phrases or any other terms that imply that the person is authorized to practice medicine as a physician and surgeon.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. The bill would make related legislative findings and declarations. By creating a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Patient Protection, Safety, Disclosure, and Transparency Act.SEC. 2. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Consumer protection is the highest priority of all boards, bureaus, and commissions within the Department of Consumer Affairs.(b) Health care consumers can be confused and misled about the differences between the qualifications and education of various types of health care providers.(c) Misuse of health care provider titles can cause patients to mistakenly believe they are meeting with physicians and surgeons, such as medical doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine, when they are not.(d) According to the American Medical Associations Truth in Advertising surveys, patients want their health care professional to clearly designate their education and training.(e) According to the American Medical Associations Truth in Advertising surveys, 88 percent of patient respondents agree that only licensed medical doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine should be able to use the title of physician.(f) According to the American Medical Associations Truth in Advertising surveys, 79 percent of patient respondents would support legislation in their state to require all health care advertising materials to clearly designate the level of education, skills, and training of all health care professionals promoting their services.(g) Patients deserve to have increased clarity and transparency in the education and training of their health care providers.(h) Confusing or misleading health care advertising and communications have the potential to put patient safety at risk.(i) Requiring health care providers to communicate and display their proper title, credentials, and capabilities allows patients to make informed choices about their health care.(j) Uninformed health care choices can lead to unintended and potentially dangerous consequences. SEC. 3. Section 2054 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:2054. (a) Any person who uses in any sign, business card, or letterhead, or, in an advertisement, the words doctor or physician, the letters or prefix Dr., the initials M.D., M.D. or D.O., or any other terms or letters indicating or implying that he or she the person is a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, or that he or she the person is entitled to practice hereunder, or who represents or holds himself or herself themselves out as a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, without having at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor.(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any of the following persons may use the words doctor or physician, the letters or prefix Dr., or the initials M.D.: M.D. or D.O.:(1) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school approved or recognized by the medical or osteopathic medical board while enrolled in a postgraduate training program approved by the board.(2) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school who does not have a certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter if he or she the individual meets all of the following requirements:(A) If issued a license to practice medicine in any jurisdiction, has not had that license revoked or suspended by that jurisdiction.(B) Does not otherwise hold himself or herself themselves out as a physician and surgeon entitled to practice medicine in this state except to the extent authorized by this chapter.(C) Does not engage in any of the acts prohibited by Section 2060.(3) A person authorized to practice medicine under Section 2111 or 2113 subject to the limitations set forth in those sections.(c) A person shall not use any medical specialty title, including the names or titles anesthesiologist, cardiologist, dermatologist, doctor of osteopathy, emergency physician, endocrinologist, family physician, gastroenterologist, general practitioner, gynecologist, hematologist, hospitalist, internist, interventional pain medicine physician, laryngologist, medical doctor, nephrologist, neurologist, obstetrician, oncologist, ophthalmologist, orthopedic surgeon, orthopaedic surgeon, orthopedist, orthopaedist, osteopath, otologist, otolaryngologist, otorhinolaryngologist, pathologist, pediatrician, primary care physician, proctologist, psychiatrist, radiologist, rheumatologist, rhinologist, surgeon, or urologist, or any other titles, terms, letters, words, abbreviations, description of services, designations, or insignia, alone or in combination with any other title, indicating or implying that the person is licensed under this chapter to practice as such, unless the person has at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter. A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.SEC. 4. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 765Introduced by Assembly Member WoodFebruary 13, 2023 An act to amend Section 2054 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 765, as introduced, Wood. Physicians and surgeons.Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of physicians and surgeons by the Medical Board of California. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for a person who is not licensed as a physician and surgeon under the act, except as specified, to use certain words, letters, and phrases or any other terms that imply that the person is authorized to practice medicine as a physician and surgeon.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. The bill would make related legislative findings and declarations. By creating a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 765
Introduced by Assembly Member WoodFebruary 13, 2023
Introduced by Assembly Member Wood
February 13, 2023
An act to amend Section 2054 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 765, as introduced, Wood. Physicians and surgeons.
Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of physicians and surgeons by the Medical Board of California. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for a person who is not licensed as a physician and surgeon under the act, except as specified, to use certain words, letters, and phrases or any other terms that imply that the person is authorized to practice medicine as a physician and surgeon.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. The bill would make related legislative findings and declarations. By creating a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of physicians and surgeons by the Medical Board of California. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for a person who is not licensed as a physician and surgeon under the act, except as specified, to use certain words, letters, and phrases or any other terms that imply that the person is authorized to practice medicine as a physician and surgeon.
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. The bill would make related legislative findings and declarations. By creating a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Patient Protection, Safety, Disclosure, and Transparency Act.SEC. 2. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Consumer protection is the highest priority of all boards, bureaus, and commissions within the Department of Consumer Affairs.(b) Health care consumers can be confused and misled about the differences between the qualifications and education of various types of health care providers.(c) Misuse of health care provider titles can cause patients to mistakenly believe they are meeting with physicians and surgeons, such as medical doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine, when they are not.(d) According to the American Medical Associations Truth in Advertising surveys, patients want their health care professional to clearly designate their education and training.(e) According to the American Medical Associations Truth in Advertising surveys, 88 percent of patient respondents agree that only licensed medical doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine should be able to use the title of physician.(f) According to the American Medical Associations Truth in Advertising surveys, 79 percent of patient respondents would support legislation in their state to require all health care advertising materials to clearly designate the level of education, skills, and training of all health care professionals promoting their services.(g) Patients deserve to have increased clarity and transparency in the education and training of their health care providers.(h) Confusing or misleading health care advertising and communications have the potential to put patient safety at risk.(i) Requiring health care providers to communicate and display their proper title, credentials, and capabilities allows patients to make informed choices about their health care.(j) Uninformed health care choices can lead to unintended and potentially dangerous consequences. SEC. 3. Section 2054 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:2054. (a) Any person who uses in any sign, business card, or letterhead, or, in an advertisement, the words doctor or physician, the letters or prefix Dr., the initials M.D., M.D. or D.O., or any other terms or letters indicating or implying that he or she the person is a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, or that he or she the person is entitled to practice hereunder, or who represents or holds himself or herself themselves out as a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, without having at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor.(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any of the following persons may use the words doctor or physician, the letters or prefix Dr., or the initials M.D.: M.D. or D.O.:(1) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school approved or recognized by the medical or osteopathic medical board while enrolled in a postgraduate training program approved by the board.(2) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school who does not have a certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter if he or she the individual meets all of the following requirements:(A) If issued a license to practice medicine in any jurisdiction, has not had that license revoked or suspended by that jurisdiction.(B) Does not otherwise hold himself or herself themselves out as a physician and surgeon entitled to practice medicine in this state except to the extent authorized by this chapter.(C) Does not engage in any of the acts prohibited by Section 2060.(3) A person authorized to practice medicine under Section 2111 or 2113 subject to the limitations set forth in those sections.(c) A person shall not use any medical specialty title, including the names or titles anesthesiologist, cardiologist, dermatologist, doctor of osteopathy, emergency physician, endocrinologist, family physician, gastroenterologist, general practitioner, gynecologist, hematologist, hospitalist, internist, interventional pain medicine physician, laryngologist, medical doctor, nephrologist, neurologist, obstetrician, oncologist, ophthalmologist, orthopedic surgeon, orthopaedic surgeon, orthopedist, orthopaedist, osteopath, otologist, otolaryngologist, otorhinolaryngologist, pathologist, pediatrician, primary care physician, proctologist, psychiatrist, radiologist, rheumatologist, rhinologist, surgeon, or urologist, or any other titles, terms, letters, words, abbreviations, description of services, designations, or insignia, alone or in combination with any other title, indicating or implying that the person is licensed under this chapter to practice as such, unless the person has at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter. A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.SEC. 4. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Patient Protection, Safety, Disclosure, and Transparency Act.
SECTION 1. This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Patient Protection, Safety, Disclosure, and Transparency Act.
SECTION 1. This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Patient Protection, Safety, Disclosure, and Transparency Act.
### SECTION 1.
SEC. 2. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Consumer protection is the highest priority of all boards, bureaus, and commissions within the Department of Consumer Affairs.(b) Health care consumers can be confused and misled about the differences between the qualifications and education of various types of health care providers.(c) Misuse of health care provider titles can cause patients to mistakenly believe they are meeting with physicians and surgeons, such as medical doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine, when they are not.(d) According to the American Medical Associations Truth in Advertising surveys, patients want their health care professional to clearly designate their education and training.(e) According to the American Medical Associations Truth in Advertising surveys, 88 percent of patient respondents agree that only licensed medical doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine should be able to use the title of physician.(f) According to the American Medical Associations Truth in Advertising surveys, 79 percent of patient respondents would support legislation in their state to require all health care advertising materials to clearly designate the level of education, skills, and training of all health care professionals promoting their services.(g) Patients deserve to have increased clarity and transparency in the education and training of their health care providers.(h) Confusing or misleading health care advertising and communications have the potential to put patient safety at risk.(i) Requiring health care providers to communicate and display their proper title, credentials, and capabilities allows patients to make informed choices about their health care.(j) Uninformed health care choices can lead to unintended and potentially dangerous consequences.
SEC. 2. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Consumer protection is the highest priority of all boards, bureaus, and commissions within the Department of Consumer Affairs.(b) Health care consumers can be confused and misled about the differences between the qualifications and education of various types of health care providers.(c) Misuse of health care provider titles can cause patients to mistakenly believe they are meeting with physicians and surgeons, such as medical doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine, when they are not.(d) According to the American Medical Associations Truth in Advertising surveys, patients want their health care professional to clearly designate their education and training.(e) According to the American Medical Associations Truth in Advertising surveys, 88 percent of patient respondents agree that only licensed medical doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine should be able to use the title of physician.(f) According to the American Medical Associations Truth in Advertising surveys, 79 percent of patient respondents would support legislation in their state to require all health care advertising materials to clearly designate the level of education, skills, and training of all health care professionals promoting their services.(g) Patients deserve to have increased clarity and transparency in the education and training of their health care providers.(h) Confusing or misleading health care advertising and communications have the potential to put patient safety at risk.(i) Requiring health care providers to communicate and display their proper title, credentials, and capabilities allows patients to make informed choices about their health care.(j) Uninformed health care choices can lead to unintended and potentially dangerous consequences.
SEC. 2. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
### SEC. 2.
(a) Consumer protection is the highest priority of all boards, bureaus, and commissions within the Department of Consumer Affairs.
(b) Health care consumers can be confused and misled about the differences between the qualifications and education of various types of health care providers.
(c) Misuse of health care provider titles can cause patients to mistakenly believe they are meeting with physicians and surgeons, such as medical doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine, when they are not.
(d) According to the American Medical Associations Truth in Advertising surveys, patients want their health care professional to clearly designate their education and training.
(e) According to the American Medical Associations Truth in Advertising surveys, 88 percent of patient respondents agree that only licensed medical doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine should be able to use the title of physician.
(f) According to the American Medical Associations Truth in Advertising surveys, 79 percent of patient respondents would support legislation in their state to require all health care advertising materials to clearly designate the level of education, skills, and training of all health care professionals promoting their services.
(g) Patients deserve to have increased clarity and transparency in the education and training of their health care providers.
(h) Confusing or misleading health care advertising and communications have the potential to put patient safety at risk.
(i) Requiring health care providers to communicate and display their proper title, credentials, and capabilities allows patients to make informed choices about their health care.
(j) Uninformed health care choices can lead to unintended and potentially dangerous consequences.
SEC. 3. Section 2054 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:2054. (a) Any person who uses in any sign, business card, or letterhead, or, in an advertisement, the words doctor or physician, the letters or prefix Dr., the initials M.D., M.D. or D.O., or any other terms or letters indicating or implying that he or she the person is a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, or that he or she the person is entitled to practice hereunder, or who represents or holds himself or herself themselves out as a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, without having at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor.(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any of the following persons may use the words doctor or physician, the letters or prefix Dr., or the initials M.D.: M.D. or D.O.:(1) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school approved or recognized by the medical or osteopathic medical board while enrolled in a postgraduate training program approved by the board.(2) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school who does not have a certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter if he or she the individual meets all of the following requirements:(A) If issued a license to practice medicine in any jurisdiction, has not had that license revoked or suspended by that jurisdiction.(B) Does not otherwise hold himself or herself themselves out as a physician and surgeon entitled to practice medicine in this state except to the extent authorized by this chapter.(C) Does not engage in any of the acts prohibited by Section 2060.(3) A person authorized to practice medicine under Section 2111 or 2113 subject to the limitations set forth in those sections.(c) A person shall not use any medical specialty title, including the names or titles anesthesiologist, cardiologist, dermatologist, doctor of osteopathy, emergency physician, endocrinologist, family physician, gastroenterologist, general practitioner, gynecologist, hematologist, hospitalist, internist, interventional pain medicine physician, laryngologist, medical doctor, nephrologist, neurologist, obstetrician, oncologist, ophthalmologist, orthopedic surgeon, orthopaedic surgeon, orthopedist, orthopaedist, osteopath, otologist, otolaryngologist, otorhinolaryngologist, pathologist, pediatrician, primary care physician, proctologist, psychiatrist, radiologist, rheumatologist, rhinologist, surgeon, or urologist, or any other titles, terms, letters, words, abbreviations, description of services, designations, or insignia, alone or in combination with any other title, indicating or implying that the person is licensed under this chapter to practice as such, unless the person has at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter. A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.
SEC. 3. Section 2054 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:
### SEC. 3.
2054. (a) Any person who uses in any sign, business card, or letterhead, or, in an advertisement, the words doctor or physician, the letters or prefix Dr., the initials M.D., M.D. or D.O., or any other terms or letters indicating or implying that he or she the person is a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, or that he or she the person is entitled to practice hereunder, or who represents or holds himself or herself themselves out as a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, without having at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor.(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any of the following persons may use the words doctor or physician, the letters or prefix Dr., or the initials M.D.: M.D. or D.O.:(1) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school approved or recognized by the medical or osteopathic medical board while enrolled in a postgraduate training program approved by the board.(2) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school who does not have a certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter if he or she the individual meets all of the following requirements:(A) If issued a license to practice medicine in any jurisdiction, has not had that license revoked or suspended by that jurisdiction.(B) Does not otherwise hold himself or herself themselves out as a physician and surgeon entitled to practice medicine in this state except to the extent authorized by this chapter.(C) Does not engage in any of the acts prohibited by Section 2060.(3) A person authorized to practice medicine under Section 2111 or 2113 subject to the limitations set forth in those sections.(c) A person shall not use any medical specialty title, including the names or titles anesthesiologist, cardiologist, dermatologist, doctor of osteopathy, emergency physician, endocrinologist, family physician, gastroenterologist, general practitioner, gynecologist, hematologist, hospitalist, internist, interventional pain medicine physician, laryngologist, medical doctor, nephrologist, neurologist, obstetrician, oncologist, ophthalmologist, orthopedic surgeon, orthopaedic surgeon, orthopedist, orthopaedist, osteopath, otologist, otolaryngologist, otorhinolaryngologist, pathologist, pediatrician, primary care physician, proctologist, psychiatrist, radiologist, rheumatologist, rhinologist, surgeon, or urologist, or any other titles, terms, letters, words, abbreviations, description of services, designations, or insignia, alone or in combination with any other title, indicating or implying that the person is licensed under this chapter to practice as such, unless the person has at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter. A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.
2054. (a) Any person who uses in any sign, business card, or letterhead, or, in an advertisement, the words doctor or physician, the letters or prefix Dr., the initials M.D., M.D. or D.O., or any other terms or letters indicating or implying that he or she the person is a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, or that he or she the person is entitled to practice hereunder, or who represents or holds himself or herself themselves out as a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, without having at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor.(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any of the following persons may use the words doctor or physician, the letters or prefix Dr., or the initials M.D.: M.D. or D.O.:(1) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school approved or recognized by the medical or osteopathic medical board while enrolled in a postgraduate training program approved by the board.(2) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school who does not have a certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter if he or she the individual meets all of the following requirements:(A) If issued a license to practice medicine in any jurisdiction, has not had that license revoked or suspended by that jurisdiction.(B) Does not otherwise hold himself or herself themselves out as a physician and surgeon entitled to practice medicine in this state except to the extent authorized by this chapter.(C) Does not engage in any of the acts prohibited by Section 2060.(3) A person authorized to practice medicine under Section 2111 or 2113 subject to the limitations set forth in those sections.(c) A person shall not use any medical specialty title, including the names or titles anesthesiologist, cardiologist, dermatologist, doctor of osteopathy, emergency physician, endocrinologist, family physician, gastroenterologist, general practitioner, gynecologist, hematologist, hospitalist, internist, interventional pain medicine physician, laryngologist, medical doctor, nephrologist, neurologist, obstetrician, oncologist, ophthalmologist, orthopedic surgeon, orthopaedic surgeon, orthopedist, orthopaedist, osteopath, otologist, otolaryngologist, otorhinolaryngologist, pathologist, pediatrician, primary care physician, proctologist, psychiatrist, radiologist, rheumatologist, rhinologist, surgeon, or urologist, or any other titles, terms, letters, words, abbreviations, description of services, designations, or insignia, alone or in combination with any other title, indicating or implying that the person is licensed under this chapter to practice as such, unless the person has at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter. A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.
2054. (a) Any person who uses in any sign, business card, or letterhead, or, in an advertisement, the words doctor or physician, the letters or prefix Dr., the initials M.D., M.D. or D.O., or any other terms or letters indicating or implying that he or she the person is a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, or that he or she the person is entitled to practice hereunder, or who represents or holds himself or herself themselves out as a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, without having at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor.(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any of the following persons may use the words doctor or physician, the letters or prefix Dr., or the initials M.D.: M.D. or D.O.:(1) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school approved or recognized by the medical or osteopathic medical board while enrolled in a postgraduate training program approved by the board.(2) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school who does not have a certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter if he or she the individual meets all of the following requirements:(A) If issued a license to practice medicine in any jurisdiction, has not had that license revoked or suspended by that jurisdiction.(B) Does not otherwise hold himself or herself themselves out as a physician and surgeon entitled to practice medicine in this state except to the extent authorized by this chapter.(C) Does not engage in any of the acts prohibited by Section 2060.(3) A person authorized to practice medicine under Section 2111 or 2113 subject to the limitations set forth in those sections.(c) A person shall not use any medical specialty title, including the names or titles anesthesiologist, cardiologist, dermatologist, doctor of osteopathy, emergency physician, endocrinologist, family physician, gastroenterologist, general practitioner, gynecologist, hematologist, hospitalist, internist, interventional pain medicine physician, laryngologist, medical doctor, nephrologist, neurologist, obstetrician, oncologist, ophthalmologist, orthopedic surgeon, orthopaedic surgeon, orthopedist, orthopaedist, osteopath, otologist, otolaryngologist, otorhinolaryngologist, pathologist, pediatrician, primary care physician, proctologist, psychiatrist, radiologist, rheumatologist, rhinologist, surgeon, or urologist, or any other titles, terms, letters, words, abbreviations, description of services, designations, or insignia, alone or in combination with any other title, indicating or implying that the person is licensed under this chapter to practice as such, unless the person has at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter. A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.
2054. (a) Any person who uses in any sign, business card, or letterhead, or, in an advertisement, the words doctor or physician, the letters or prefix Dr., the initials M.D., M.D. or D.O., or any other terms or letters indicating or implying that he or she the person is a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, or that he or she the person is entitled to practice hereunder, or who represents or holds himself or herself themselves out as a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, without having at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any of the following persons may use the words doctor or physician, the letters or prefix Dr., or the initials M.D.: M.D. or D.O.:
(1) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school approved or recognized by the medical or osteopathic medical board while enrolled in a postgraduate training program approved by the board.
(2) A graduate of a medical or an osteopathic medical school who does not have a certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter if he or she the individual meets all of the following requirements:
(A) If issued a license to practice medicine in any jurisdiction, has not had that license revoked or suspended by that jurisdiction.
(B) Does not otherwise hold himself or herself themselves out as a physician and surgeon entitled to practice medicine in this state except to the extent authorized by this chapter.
(C) Does not engage in any of the acts prohibited by Section 2060.
(3) A person authorized to practice medicine under Section 2111 or 2113 subject to the limitations set forth in those sections.
(c) A person shall not use any medical specialty title, including the names or titles anesthesiologist, cardiologist, dermatologist, doctor of osteopathy, emergency physician, endocrinologist, family physician, gastroenterologist, general practitioner, gynecologist, hematologist, hospitalist, internist, interventional pain medicine physician, laryngologist, medical doctor, nephrologist, neurologist, obstetrician, oncologist, ophthalmologist, orthopedic surgeon, orthopaedic surgeon, orthopedist, orthopaedist, osteopath, otologist, otolaryngologist, otorhinolaryngologist, pathologist, pediatrician, primary care physician, proctologist, psychiatrist, radiologist, rheumatologist, rhinologist, surgeon, or urologist, or any other titles, terms, letters, words, abbreviations, description of services, designations, or insignia, alone or in combination with any other title, indicating or implying that the person is licensed under this chapter to practice as such, unless the person has at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked, and unsuspended certificate as a physician and surgeon under this chapter. A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.
SEC. 4. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
SEC. 4. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
SEC. 4. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
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