Nurses with doctorate degrees cannot call themselves “doctors” in California. Two years ago, three nurse practitioners with doctorate degrees sued the state arguing that they should be able to call themselves doctors. District Judge Jesus G. Bernal denied the plaintiffs’ motion, ruling that “the harms (California) recites are real because the speech has caused some patient confusion,” adding that some consumers “will assume that plaintiffs are licensed physicians or surgeons if they use ‘Dr.’ or ‘Doctor’ in health care settings and in advertising materials promoting medical services.” The California Medical Association released a statement supporting the judge’s decision.
