California · 2025–26 Regular Session · Assembly Bill
AB 659: Master of Divinity: physician and surgeon: title.
Did not advance Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
- Did not advance
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
AB 659 is a assembly bill introduced in the California Assembly on February 14, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: Master of Divinity: physician and surgeon: title. . Primary sponsor: Marc Berman (D). Most recent recorded action (February 2, 2026): From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.
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.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marc Berman | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Assembly | 23 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
- Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
- In committee: Held under submission.
- Joint Rule 62(a), file notice suspended. (Page 1627.)
- In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
- 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.
- Referred to Com. on B. & P.
- From printer. May be heard in committee March 17.
- Read first time. To print.