Master of Divinity: physician and surgeon: title.

Crime Education Healthcare

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Berman
Last action: 2026-02-02
Official status: From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not provide information on personal use or enforcement beyond criminal penalties.

Restrictions on Using 'MDiv' Title

This law prohibits people with a Master of Divinity degree from using titles like 'MDiv' or 'M.D.i.v.' in communications and advertisements unless the title is clearly distinguishable from 'MD' or 'M.D.', to prevent confusion with medical doctors.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits individuals who have earned a Master of Divinity degree from displaying the titles 'MDiv' or 'M.D.i.v.' in any communication or advertisement related to their practice unless these titles are clearly distinguishable from 'MD' or 'M.D.'
The bill specifies that prohibited displays include using different colors, fonts, or font sizes where 'MD' or 'M.D.' is more prominent than the 'iv' or 'i.v'.

Who It Names or Affects

People who have a Master of Divinity degree and use titles related to their work in communications or advertisements.

Terms To Know

Master of Divinity: A graduate degree in religious studies or theology.
Medical Doctor (MD): A doctor who has completed medical school and is licensed to practice medicine.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what happens if someone violates the rule other than no criminal penalties.
It only applies to how titles are shown in communications or advertisements, not in personal use.

Bill History

2026-02-02 California Legislative Information
From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2026-01-31 California Legislative Information
Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
2025-05-23 California Legislative Information
In committee: Held under submission.
2025-05-21 California Legislative Information
Joint Rule 62(a), file notice suspended. (Page 1627.)
2025-05-21 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
2025-04-01 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (April 1). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2025-03-03 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on B. & P.
2025-02-15 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 17.
2025-02-14 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 659, as introduced, Berman.
Master of Divinity: physician and surgeon: title.
Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, establishes the Medical Board of California within the Department of Consumer Affairs and sets forth its powers and duties relating to the licensure and regulation of physicians and surgeons.
Existing law prohibits a person from using the words “doctor” or “physician,” the letters or prefix “Dr.,” the initials “M.D.,” or any other terms or letters indicating or implying that the person is a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon, or practitioner, unless the person has been issued a physician’s and surgeon’s certificate by the board, and makes a violation of these provisions a crime.
This bill would specifically prohibit a person who has earned a Master of Divinity from displaying the title “MDiv” or “M.D.i.v.” in a communication or advertisement relating to the person’s practice unless the title is clearly
distinguishable from the title “MD” or “M.D.” The bill would provide that prohibited displays include, but are not limited to, using different colors, fonts, or font sizes in a way that makes the “MD” or “M.D.” more prominent than the “iv” or “i.v.” The bill would provide that a person who violates this provision is not subject to criminal penalties, as specified.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF