House Passes Bill to Standardize ID Badges
The state House of Representatives passed a bill 197-3 that would require health care providers to wear standardized identification badges that identify their license or certification.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society supports House Bill 1482 because it 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 1482 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. It was introduced by Rep. Jennifer Mann (D-Lehigh).
"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 of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
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.
HB 1482 has been referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee. Two similar bills—House Bill 1879 and Senate Bill 306—were introduced in 2009, but no action has been taken on them.
Last Updated: 7/16/2010