Summary:

 House Bill 479 (HB 479):  This bill adds a new section to the Uniform Licensing Act restricting how non-physician health care providers who hold doctoral degrees can represent themselves to the public. It seeks to prevent confusion by ensuring that only physicians may use “doctor” without qualification, while non-physicians must clarify the nature of their doctoral credentials. 

Legislation Overview:

 House Bill 479 (HB 479):  This legislation standardizes the use of “doctor” among non-physician health care professionals, ensuring that anyone who uses that title in a clinical or public-facing context makes their profession clear. The goal is to reduce patient confusion about the nature of a provider’s qualifications.
Non-physician health care providers must stick to titles or abbreviations expressly authorized by their professional license statutes (e.g., “RN,” “PT,” “LPCC,” “DDS,” etc.).
1.	If a provider has earned a doctoral degree in their field, they may use an authorized abbreviation with a “D” in front. For instance, a Doctor of Physical Therapy might use “DPT” if that abbreviation is allowed under their licensing statute.
2.	“Doctor” Title Restrictions:
•	Non-physicians cannot simply call themselves “doctor” or “Dr.” in advertisements or clinical interactions unless they explicitly identify their professional discipline.
•	For example, a licensed psychologist with a Ph.D. could introduce themselves as “Doctor [Name], Doctor of Psychology,” or “Dr. [Name], a licensed psychologist,” but not just “Dr. [Name]” without specifying the profession.
3.	The restrictions apply to any form of advertising or communication, including printed and electronic materials, signs, business cards, badges, websites, emails, and in-person or technology-assisted patient visits.
•	If the non-physician is using “doctor,” they must follow it with a clarifying statement of their specific profession.
4.	Enforcement and Penalties:
•	Violating these rules can lead to disciplinary action, such as denial, suspension, or revocation of a provider’s license by the relevant licensing board.
•	Each licensing board or department must adopt rules to implement and enforce these requirements.
 

Current Law:

 SECTION 1.  A new section of the Uniform Licensing Act is
 enacted to read:
 "[NEW MATERIAL ] PROHIBITING NON-PHYSICIAN HEALTH CARE
 PROVIDERS FROM USING THE TITLE OF "DOCTOR".