California Assembly Bill 659
Session 20252026
Master of Divinity: physician and surgeon: title.
Active
Failed in Assembly on Feb 2, 2026
Origin Chamber
Assembly
Type
Bill
Bill Number
659
State
California
Session
20252026
checkPassed on April 1, 2025
Motion Text
Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar
Assembly Roll Call Votes
Summary
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 prohibits a person from using the words "doctor" or "physician," the letters or prefix "Dr.," the initials "M.D.," or any other terms or letters indicating or implying that the person is a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner, unless the person has been issued a physician's and surgeon's certificate by the board, and makes a violation of these provisions a crime.
This bill would specifically prohibit a person who has earned a Master of Divinity from displaying the title "MDiv" or "M.D.i.v." in a communication or advertisement relating to the person's practice unless the title is clearly distinguishable from the title "MD" or "M.D." The bill would provide that prohibited displays include, but are not limited to, using different colors, fonts, or font sizes in a way that makes the "MD" or "M.D." more prominent than the "iv" or "i.v." The bill would provide that a person who violates this provision is not subject to criminal penalties, as specified.
03/28/25- Assembly Business and Professions
March 28, 2025
05/19/25- Assembly Appropriations
May 19, 2025
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02/02/2026
Assembly
From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
01/31/2026
Assembly
Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
05/23/2025
Assembly
In committee: Held under submission.
05/21/2025
Assembly
Joint Rule 62(a), file notice suspended. (Page 1627.)
05/21/2025
Assembly
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
04/01/2025
Assembly
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (April 1). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
03/03/2025
Assembly
Referred to Com. on B. & P.
02/15/2025
Assembly
From printer. May be heard in committee March 17.
02/14/2025
Assembly
Read first time. To print.
Sources
Record Created
Feb 15, 2025 5:52:50 AM
Record Updated
Feb 3, 2026 8:33:13 AM