There are many types of medical professionals that each have different levels of educational and clinical experience. This wide variety of healthcare options leave many clinicians wondering what the specific classifications are for each type.
However, the answer, at this time, is no. However, several DNPs sued the state of California in 2023 to have the right to call themselves “Doctor.” This DNP California lawsuit sparked a debate in the world of healthcare professionals and is still ongoing.
Advocates for allowing DNPs to call themselves “Doctor” argue that it reflects the high level of education and expertise these professionals have achieved. By using the title “Doctor,” DNPs suggest that they’d be acknowledged for their advanced skills and would be better able to assert their leadership.
On the other hand, others argue that using the title “Doctor” without a medical degree may lead to confusion among patients. Medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathy (DOs) hold degrees and training that are distinct from those of DNPs. Critics fear that patients might mistakenly assume that DNPs have the same training and scope of practice as physicians, potentially impacting patient safety and trust.
There are several reasons that this California regulation has existed since the 1930s:
To decrease confusion.
There are hundreds of combinations of acronyms that are designed to make it easy for a patient to understand the level of experience and education of their healthcare professional. The general public might not always be aware of the different types of doctoral degrees. For example, even though a professor of economics might have received a PhD in their field, it would not be accurate to call them “Doctor” in a clinical setting outside of academia. This distinction serves to make it easy for a patient to know who is treating them.
To differentiate scope of practice.
While DNPs do undergo extensive education and training, they focus on advanced clinical practice, patient care, and leadership within the nursing field. DNPs can diagnose and treat patients and often work in specialized areas, but they do not perform surgeries or handle as wide a range of medical conditions as doctors do.
Not just California: Can a DNP be called “Doctor” in any other state?
Many states — including California, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Indiana — only allow physicians with an MD or a DO to be called doctor due to truth-in-advertising laws. In states that allow DNPs to be called “doctors,” DNPs are required to be transparent with their patients about their credentials.
Future designations
With the 2023 DNP lawsuit in California still ongoing and the increased importance of DNPs in healthcare, the debate over “Doctor” will continue to evolve. Some in the field suggest that DNPs may be called “doctor” in an academic setting but not in a clinical setting. Others suggest that as long as their true credentials are visible and apparent to the patient, DNPs should be able to be called “Doctor.” Despite these conflicting arguments, California will have to adjust its laws regarding professional designations as the healthcare shifts and advances in the future.