Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill into law May 2 preventing nonphysicians from using specialty titles such as "doctor," in an effort to promote transparency for patients.
Senate Bill 197 was written by state Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, a certified anesthesiologist assistant. Its summary outlines an aim "to prohibit deceptive or misleading terms or false representations by healthcare practitioners in advertisements and representations" and to do the same regarding the "misappropriation of medical or medical specialty titles."
Largely, it will affect advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants who hold doctorate degrees. There has been significant ongoing debate at a national level regarding clinical titles and whether or not these professionals should be allowed to use "doctor" as a title or if doing so confuses patients. The question is something other states like Florida are also exploring legislatively. Some associations, including the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, are in favor of allowing nonphysicians to use the term.
The governor signed the bill as part of a package that included other pieces of healthcare-related legislation.
The new law will take effect July 1.