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 makes it a misdemeanor for a person to use 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." or "D.O.," or any other terms or letters indicating or implying that the person is a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner, without having a certificate as a physician and surgeon. Existing law also prohibits a person from using the words "doctor" or "physician," the letters or prefix "Dr.," the initials "M.D." or "D.O.," or any other terms or letters indicating or implying that the person is a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner in a health care setting that would lead a reasonable patient to determine that person is a licensed "M.D." or "D.O." Existing law contains some exceptions to these provisions.
This bill would specifically make it unlawful for a person to use the title "doctor" or the letters or prefix "Dr." on their name tag unless authorized to use that term pursuant to the provisions described above or any other law.

Statutes affected:
AB 985: 680 BPC
02/20/25 - Introduced: 680 BPC