Bill seeks to clarify medical credentials

A bill recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives aims to eliminate patient confusion over who is considered a medical doctor. The bill, "Truth in Healthcare Marketing Act of 2013," (HR 1427) was co-sponsored by Rep. Larry Bucshon, MD, (R-In.) and Rep. David Scott, (D-Ga.) and referred to the Energy and Commerce committee. The bill would make it illegal for any healthcare professional to make false or deceptive claims in advertisements and marketing materials regarding their training, degree, license, or clinical expertise. Anyone marketing a health provider's services also must clearly state the license the provider holds.

Source: NAMSS, MedScape