States unfriendly to NA......?

I remember reading somewhere that some states don't allow you to call yourself "doctor" with an NA doctorate. Also, that some state governments don't recognize NA degrees. Is there a comprehensive list regarding this somewhere?

 

The phenomenon of NA doctoral degrees is relatively recent. I'd be quite surprised to find that there's a list anywhere or even that someone could make a clear list. I'd bet that there are states where this issue has not even been addressed in any definitive manner.

 

I've never heard of such a list and I doubt there would be any states on the list... DETC doctoral degrees are recognized by CHEA, the final authority.

 

I beg to differ. CHEA is hardly "the final authority" on such matters. First, it is a private, industry-sponsored group. Second, I'd give some consideration to the USDoE, a legal entity. Finally, the legality of education, including tertiary, sits with the states, not with the federal government, and certainly not with a private organization like CHEA.

As to the OP's question, I am also not aware of states that specifically exclude the use of the NA doctorate, except in the pursuit of licensure in some professions.

 

It depends. In academia, it would be appropriate to use the title "doctor" if you hold a doctoral degree but if you are in a health profession it may be illegal. For example, a nurse, nurse practitioner or physical therapist may hold a doctoral degree but stating to their patients they are doctors may be illegal. Certainly, they have to state what their profession is. example. I'm Dr. Smith, a physical therapist or a nurse practitioner or audiologist, etc.

When Nurses Use the Title "Doctor" : Journal of Nursing Administration

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/563176

Adjunct Law Prof Blog: Are Lawyers Considered Doctors??


http://www.audiology.org/resources/documentlibrary/Pages/DesignatorsLaws.aspx

 

OK, Rich. Who is the final authority then on recognizing accrediting bodies, if not CHEA?

 

Wait, I thought in New Jersey you couldn't call yourself "doctor" unless you went to an RA school? I also thought some state bureaucracies explicitly forbid NA degrees for promotion, hiring, etc.

 

We ar mixing apples and oranges. Certainly, the CHEA database contains schools that are from a recognized accreditation agency. The doctoral degrees from these schools would therefore be legitimate. However, as the OP indicated concern about some US States making it illegal to use the title "doctor" is true! In regards to the title of "doctor", these US states for the most part do not differentiate between NA or RA just the fact that it is accredited. However, in some cases such as a health care professionals. It would be illegal to use that title in a health care setting but not illegal in an academic setting.

As far as the OPs original ?about some states not accepting NA degrees, he must be referring to the fact that if you are seeking state employment with a particular state than some states may or may not recognize your NA degree. This I do not know. Which brings on another question that if a person who holds a NA degree is eligible for commission in the US Armed Forces?

 

Again, what setting is it illegal in new Jersey to call yourself "doctor"?

Academic?
Healthcare?
All settings?
Writing and publishing works?

Your blanket statement of "it is illegal to call yourself a doctor in New Jersey unless...." certainly cannot be true in all settings!

For example, Princeton University has guest lecturers from overseas that earned their doctoral degree from that country (not RA) but are addressed as doctor. Also, Physicians that graduated with a doctor of medicine from a foreign country (not RA) are now practicing in New Jersey and being called "doctor".

 

That's my question -- when is it illegal? I am assuming in healthcare settings it is illegal to misrepresent yourself as a medical doctor most everywhere.

 

The state you live in.

 

and/or work in.

 

The answer to the question that was asked is CHEA.

 

I suggest you contact the State and ask.

 

That brings us full circle to the OP.

 

To generate such a list for every state and every permutation of state laws concerning this would be a time consuming endeavor, and with the fact that states update and change their laws on a whim, it would likely be pretty hard to maintain.

The logistics would require not only a comprehensive knowledge of law, access to all the pertinent laws concerning the use of the title, exceptions, and so on, of the various states, and a bunch of free time to catalog this.

In otherwords to answer your question, no, not likely.

 

Yeah, that's what I figured. I was hoping that some people would name off a few states that are anti-NA from experience. I don't know where I heard NJ was anti-NA, I can't find the thread now.

 

When you say NJ is "anti-NA", what do you mean exactly?

 

Here is a link I found through a very quick google search that may answer some of your questions in regards to New Jersey Law.

Degree Statutes & Regulations

Try google next time. It's amazing!