Bill > HB479

This bill introduces new regulations for non-physician health care providers with doctoral degrees regarding their use of the title "doctor" in professional settings. Specifically, the bill requires these providers to only use titles and abbreviations authorized by their professional licensing statutes, and when they have a doctoral degree, they may use the letter "D" in front of their authorized abbreviations. However, they are prohibited from using the title "doctor" without clearly specifying their specific professional type in various forms of communication, including advertisements, printed or electronic materials, signage, business cards, identification badges, letterheads, brochures, email, websites, and during clinical interactions with patients or their caregivers. A violation of these rules can result in disciplinary actions such as denial, suspension, or revocation of the provider's professional license. The legislation aims to prevent potential confusion for patients by ensuring that non-physician healthcare providers with doctoral degrees explicitly identify their specific professional background when using the title "doctor."

Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=479&year=25