DNP Sued for Use of Dr in Office

In California, Use of “Dr” Is Restricted to Medical Doctors

BY ANN W. LATNER, JD

Ms E is a nurse practitioner practicing in California. She started her career as a registered nurse in Kentucky before receiving her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2014. In 2020, she completed a PhD in Mind-Body Medicine and Integrative Mental Health through a California university. Ms E’s clinical focus is women’s health, functional medicine, and autoimmune and chronic diseases.

Prior to 2018, Ms E worked for a practice with a supervising physician.When Ms E received her DNP, the physician told her that she needed to “own” her degree, and had his staff refer to her as “Dr Sarah” (her first name) in the office with patients. The name stuck and patients began referring to Ms E as Dr Sarah.

In 2018, Ms E opened a women’s health clinic and launched a website and online digital presence. Ms E’s supervising and collaborating physician was Dr M, an obstetrician-gynecologist. Dr M was located out of state and would travel every 2 or 3 months to review Ms E’s patient files and prescriptions.

In 2022, an investigator from California’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) visited

By referring to herself as Dr Sarah, the complaint said she unfairly elevated her position among health care providers who identify themselves as NPs.

Ms E’s office. The DCA is the governing agency over many professional groups in California, including medical and nursing boards.The investigator told Ms E that the agency had received a phone call from someone reporting that she had been presenting herself as a physician by using the term “Dr Sarah.” According to the California Medical Association, only medical doctors can use the title Doctor. Ms E told the investigator that she had always referred to herself as a nurse practitioner and never claimed to be a medical doctor.

After several months of investigation, the case was referred to the District Attorney in the county who charged Ms E with fraud.

Charges Against the DNP

Ms E was charged with violating California’s Business & Professions Code because of unfair business practices and false advertising. The

Cases presented are based on actual occurrences. Names of participants and details have been changed. Cases are informational only; no specific legal advice is intended. Persons pictured are not the actual individuals mentioned in the article.

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