DOCTOR? DOCTOR

A recent federal court ruling in California upheld a state law that prohibits non-physicians from using the title “Dr.” in health care settings. The case arose after three nurses with Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees filed suit, arguing that the law violates free speech and unfairly singles out nurses, while other doctorate-level professionals are permitted to use the title “Dr.” The California Medical Association and the American Medical Association supported the ruling, stating that it protects patients by ensuring clarity about who is providing medical care.

Massachusetts has not enacted a specific statute or regulation prohibiting DNPs from using the title “Dr.” in a clinical setting. However, the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing has investigated nurses who hold themselves out as “Dr.” As a result, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, DNPs, and physician assistants should carefully consider the titles they use in clinical environments. Pierce & Mandell’s health care attorneys specialize in representing clinicians in licensing board disputes and other regulatory enforcement matters.

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