Republican officials in Michigan filed a complaint with state regulatory officials last week claiming sixth congressional district candidate Matt Longjohn, MD, had misrepresented his medical credentials in his campaign material, according to WMUK 102.1 Radio.
Here are four things to know:
1. Michigan Republican Party Deputy Communications Director Tony Zammit told the news outlet that under a state law, individuals cannot use "an insignia, title or letter … under a circumstance to induce the belief the person is licensed or registered in the state." The party alleges that Dr. Longjohn is violating that state law because he is not licensed to practice medicine in Michigan.
2. However, Dr. Longjohn said he has never claimed he is licensed to practice medicine in Michigan, but that he has earned the right to call himself a physician by earning a medical degree. During a press conference Oct. 8, Dr. Longjohn showed reporters a copy of his medical school diploma from the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans.
"I am an MD, I am a physician, I'm a doctor. … I walked across the stage in 1999, as a single dad, actually carrying my son to earn my medical degree at Tulane University. I am a graduate of Tulane University School of Medicine," Dr. Longjohn said.
3. The Democratic candidate also cited a state law that allows him to refer to himself as a physician in his campaign material. Section 16264 of the Public Health Code allows an individual to "use the insignia, titles, letters or phrases as granted to the individual" by "an authorized educational program or institution."
4. A spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs told the news outlet the agency has referred the complaint against Dr. Longjohn to the Michigan Board of Medicine, which will decide whether to pursue an investigation.
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