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HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 2Ch. 5Art. 12§ 2275 Physician Dual Degree Authorization

§ 2275 Physician Dual Degree Authorization

Business and Professions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 2275 Physician Dual Degree Authorization

Key Takeaways

  • •If you were a doctor with a special California license (D.O.) before September 30, 1962, and also got an M.D. degree from a California medical school approved by the state, you can ask to use 'M.D.' instead of 'D.O.'
  • •You have to tell both medical boards in writing that you want to use 'M.D.' and won’t use 'D.O.' anymore.
  • •If you choose 'M.D.', using 'D.O.' after that is against the rules and can get you in trouble.

Example

A doctor named John got his D.O. license in California in 1960 and also earned an M.D. degree from a California school approved by the state. In 1963, he writes to the medical boards saying he wants to use 'M.D.' instead of 'D.O.'

John can now call himself 'M.D.' and won’t get in trouble for it. But if he starts using 'D.O.' again after choosing 'M.D.', that’s breaking the rules.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 2275 Physician Dual Degree Authorization

Any person who held a physician’s and surgeon’s certificate under the jurisdiction of the Osteopathic Medical Board of California and a degree of doctor of medicine issued by a medical school located in the state at any time prior to September 30, 1962, and approved by either the Osteopathic Medical Board of California or the Medical Board of California at the time such degree was issued, who applied in writing to the Medical Board of California for permission to utilize his or her degree of doctor of medicine, shall be authorized to use the term or suffix “M.D.” and the use shall not constitute unprofessional conduct, so long as the person advised both boards, in writing, that he or she has elected to use the term or suffix “M.D.” and further has elected not to use the term or suffix “D.O.” In the event of such election, the use of the term or suffix “D.O.” constitutes unprofessional conduct within the meaning of this chapter. (Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 359, Sec. 11.7.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

physician’s and surgeon’s certificateOsteopathic Medical Board of Californiadegree of doctor of medicineM.D.

Related Statutes

  • § 2055 M.D. Title Use
  • § 2220.2 Patient Complaint Statements
  • § 2221.05 Minor Violations License Reprimand
  • § 2253 Abortion Provider Licensing Requirements
  • § 2278 Doctor Title Usage Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 2275.
View Official Source