§ 3661 Naturopathic Doctor Title Use

Business and Professions Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

Key Takeaways

•Naturopathic doctors must use their full title, like 'Naturopathic Doctor' or 'Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine', when they call themselves 'Dr.'
•They cannot use titles that make people think they are a medical doctor, unless they are also licensed as one
•This rule starts on January 1, 2025, and ends on January 1, 2027

Example

A naturopathic doctor introduces themselves as 'Dr. Smith' at a health fair.

They must also say they are a 'Naturopathic Doctor' or use one of the other allowed titles. They can't just say 'Dr. Smith' because people might think they are a medical doctor.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 3661 Naturopathic Doctor Title Use

A naturopathic doctor who uses the term or designation “Dr.” shall further identify themselves as “Naturopathic Doctor,” “Licensed Naturopathic Doctor,” “Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine,” or “Doctor of Naturopathy” and shall not use any term or designation that would tend to indicate the practice of medicine, other than naturopathic medicine, unless otherwise licensed as a physician and surgeon, osteopathic doctor, or doctor of chiropractic. (Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 497, Sec. 46. (SB 1526) Effective January 1, 2025. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 3686.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

dr.naturopathic doctor,doctor of naturopathic medicine,doctor of naturopathy.medical physician license designation

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 3661.

§ 3661 Naturopathic Doctor Title Use

Business and Professions Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

§ 3661 Naturopathic Doctor Title Use

Key Takeaways

•Naturopathic doctors must use their full title, like 'Naturopathic Doctor' or 'Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine', when they call themselves 'Dr.'
•They cannot use titles that make people think they are a medical doctor, unless they are also licensed as one
•This rule starts on January 1, 2025, and ends on January 1, 2027

Example

A naturopathic doctor introduces themselves as 'Dr. Smith' at a health fair.

They must also say they are a 'Naturopathic Doctor' or use one of the other allowed titles. They can't just say 'Dr. Smith' because people might think they are a medical doctor.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 3661 Naturopathic Doctor Title Use

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

dr.naturopathic doctor,doctor of naturopathic medicine,doctor of naturopathy.medical physician license designation

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 3661.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References