In response to this growing movement of allied health “doctors,” the American Medical Association (AMA) launched its “Truth in Advertising” campaign in 2011, which aims to pass legislation regarding use of the “doctor” title. As a result of this initiative, several states have enacted laws that require any nonphysician practitioners who evoke the “doctor” salutation with patients to immediately identify their profession. Although designed to prevent confusion among patients, this initiative is misguided, and we as pharmacists need to use our professional organizations to open a dialog with the AMA and address this issue.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2004). AACN position statement on the practice doctorate in nursing. http://www.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/pdf/DNP.pdf. Accessed June 9, 2014.
