OPSC and AOA Applaud California for Protecting Patients and Osteopathic Truth in Advertising

New law, sponsored by OPSC, ensures only licensed physicians can call themselves DOs or provide osteopathic manipulative treatment

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California (OPSC), in partnership with the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), applauds Gov. Gavin Newsom for signing Assembly Bill 1703 (AB 1703) into law. Authored by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) and sponsored by OPSC, the law closes a long-standing loophole in patient safety by making it a misdemeanor for anyone not licensed by the Osteopathic Medical Board of California to use osteopathic titles or to perform osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).

"This law is the result of years of diligent effort led by OPSC in partnership with lawmakers and healthcare leaders," said Holly Macriss, Executive Director of OPSC. "We are proud to have spearheaded this initiative to safeguard Californians and the osteopathic profession. AB 1703 protects patients by ensuring that only fully trained, licensed physicians are authorized to practice under the title of osteopathic physician or perform the specialized procedures core to osteopathic medicine."

DOs complete four years of medical school, including more than 200 additional hours of training in osteopathic principles and OMT, followed by three to seven years of residency and a comprehensive licensing exam series. This rigorous educational pathway ensures that licensed DOs are fully equipped to provide safe, evidence-based care and distinguish themselves from unlicensed individuals using misleading titles.

The law addresses risks raised by unlicensed individuals trained in "manual osteopathy," often via online programs outside the U.S., opening practices in California and misleading patients with credentials such as "DO (CAN)." These individuals, who lack the comprehensive medical education and training of licensed DOs, sometimes perform spinal manipulations and procedures that present serious risks, including stroke. AB 1703 closes a loophole in a 2001 state law that protected unlicensed complementary and alternative health practitioners but never intended to extend coverage to services requiring medical training, such as OMT.

"This legislation protects public trust in osteopathic medicine and patient safety," said AOA President Richard R Thacker, DO, MACOI. "Patients deserve to know who is treating them and trust that anyone using the title of 'DO' has attended medical school, passed licensing exams, and completed rigorous postgraduate training. OPSC and Assemblymember Hart deserve enormous credit for their leadership on this critical issue."

The AOA played an important supportive role in the successful passage of the bill, providing resources and advocacy tools such as grassroots alerts for California DOs to voice their support to legislators. "The AOA is proud to have complemented OPSC's leadership by offering resources to ensure AB 1703 had the backing of the osteopathic community," added Thacker.

About Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California (OPSC):
The Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California (OPSC) represents the voice of osteopathic medicine in California. Founded to advance the philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine, OPSC is committed to promoting excellence in patient care, advocating for healthcare advancements, and supporting its members through education, professional development, and legislative representation. As the state's largest organization dedicated to 20,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs), residents and students, OPSC serves as an advocate for both DOs and the communities they serve. For more information, visit www.opsc.org.

About the American Osteopathic Association (AOA):
As the nation's leading voice for osteopathic medicine, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents more than 218,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and medical students, championing public health, scientific research and the highest standards of DO certification. For over a century, the AOA has advanced whole-person healthcare, shaping the future of the osteopathic profession and ensuring its founding principles remain a vital force in modern medicine.

To learn more about DOs and the osteopathic philosophy of medicine, visit Osteopathic.org or to find a DO in your area visit findado.osteopathic.org.

SOURCE American Osteopathic Association