The bill amends section 464.015 of the Florida Statutes to clarify the use of professional nursing titles for individuals holding specific doctoral degrees. It introduces a new subsection (10) that allows licensed individuals with a doctoral degree to use the titles "Doctor of Nursing Practice" (D.N.P.) or "Doctor of Philosophy" (Ph.D.) in accordance with their qualifications. However, it stipulates that nurses with a doctoral degree must specify their profession when using the title "doctor" in clinical settings to avoid any potential confusion regarding their role.
Additionally, subsection (10) is added while subsection (10) is renumbered to (11), ensuring the legal framework is updated accordingly. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, providing a clear guideline for the professional titles that nurses with doctoral degrees can use, thereby enhancing transparency in the healthcare field.