Bills Would Standardize ID Badges
Two bills in the state General Assembly would require health care providers to wear standardized identification badges that identify their license or certification.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society supports House Bill 1879 and Senate Bill 306 because they would minimize confusion over whether a provider is a physician or another type of health care provider. In 2006, the Medical Society’s House of Delegates voted to support pursuing legislation that clarifies who may use the title of "doctor."
HB 1879 and SB 306 would require the professional license or certification of the health care provider to be written on the badge in a larger font than the provider's name and degree. They were introduced by Rep. Thomas Killion (R-Chester/Delaware) and Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Chester).
"Patients want to know who just walked into the exam room. It is only just and right that patients know from the start who are physicians and who are non-physicians," said James Goodyear, MD, president-elect of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. He testified in 2008 on a similar bill, which Rep. Killion also introduced.
Dr. Goodyear noted that health care providers with advanced degrees—such as doctors of nursing and doctors of pharmacology—deserve credit for their hard work but further clarification would minimize confusion and promote quality care.
Last Updated: 9/14/2009