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AB-659 • 2026

Master of Divinity: physician and surgeon: title.

Master of Divinity: physician and surgeon: title.

Healthcare
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Berman
Last action
Official status
Assembly - Died - Appropriations
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text states criminal penalties do not apply for this specific violation but does not specify what other types of penalties might exist.

Rules for Using Master of Divinity Titles

This law stops people with a Master of Divinity degree from using titles like 'MDiv' or 'M.D.i.v.' in ads if they look too much like the medical title 'MD'.

What This Bill Does

  • Prohibits displaying 'MDiv' or 'M.D.i.v.' in communications about a person's practice unless it is clearly different from 'MD' or 'M.D.'.
  • Bans using colors, fonts, or sizes that make the 'MD' part stand out more than the rest of the title.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who have earned a Master of Divinity degree

Limits and Unknowns

  • The effective date is not listed in the provided information.
  • The text does not list specific non-criminal penalties for breaking this rule.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Assembly - Died - Appropriations

Official Summary Text

Master of Divinity: physician and surgeon: title.