Sec. 12. (a) It is an incurable deceptive act for an individual, while soliciting or performing a consumer transaction, to claim, either orally or in writing, to possess a doctorate degree or use a title, a word, letters, an insignia, or an abbreviation associated with a doctorate degree, unless the individual:

(1) has been awarded a doctorate degree from an institution that is:

(A) accredited by a regional or professional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation;

(B) a religious seminary, institute, college, or university whose certificates, diplomas, or degrees clearly identify the religious character of the educational program; or

(C) operated and supported by a governmental agency; or

(2) meets the requirements approved by one (1) of the following boards:

(A) Medical licensing board of Indiana.

(B) State board of dental examiners.

(C) Indiana optometry board.

(D) Board of podiatric medicine.

(E) State psychology board.

(F) Board of chiropractic examiners.

(G) Indiana board of veterinary medical examiners.

(H) Indiana board of pharmacy.

(I) Indiana state board of nursing.

(b) It is an incurable deceptive act for an individual, while soliciting or performing a consumer transaction, to claim to be a:

(1) physician unless the individual holds an unlimited license to practice medicine under IC 25-22.5;

(2) chiropractic physician unless the individual holds a license as a chiropractor under IC 25-10-1; or

(3) podiatric physician unless the individual holds a license as a podiatrist under IC 25-29.

(c) The attorney general shall enforce this section in the same manner as any other incurable deceptive act under this chapter.

As added by P.L.175-1997, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.246-1999, SEC.1; P.L.12-2000, SEC.1.