No Matter Your Degree, in Georgia the Title of ‘Dr.’ Is Now Reserved for Physicians

Urgent care providers who have achieved doctorate-level degrees can only introduce themselves or be referred to as “Dr.” if they’ve earned MD or DO status, according to a new law just passed in Georgia. Predictably, groups like the American Society of Anesthesiologists applaud the move while the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, for one, objects, as reported by MedPage Today. The law mandates that specific licenses and or/degrees be specified on ID badges, in advertisements, and during interactions with patients. Proponents say the measure is necessary to ensure transparency with patients.