Panel approves bill letting nurses with doctoral degrees use 'doctor' title when clearly identified as nurses

Summary

SB 36 allows nurses with a DNP or PhD to use the title 'doctor' while clearly identifying themselves as nurses; committee adopted an amendment to narrow eligible degrees, and testimony from DNPs and nursing organizations emphasized transparency and workforce benefits, while some senators expressed concern about patient confusion in clinical and advertising settings.

Sen. Sharif introduced SB 36 to permit licensed nurses who have earned doctoral degrees (doctor of nursing practice or PhD) to use appropriate titles while explicitly identifying themselves as nurses or nurse practitioners to avoid patient confusion. An amendment aligning the bill with the House narrowed eligible degrees to DNP and PhD and was adopted. Sponsor and nurse witnesses said the change clarifies credentials, protects earned academic titles, and preserves enforcement through the Board of Nursing. Several senators raised concerns that the term 'doctor' could mislead patients in clinical encounters or advertising; the sponsor said the statute intends to require explicit identification (e.g., "Dr. Jane Doe, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Licensed Nurse") and that misrepresenting oneself as a physician remains a misdemeanor under current law. The committee reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute.