Right for Nurses to use Dr. Title

In 2012 I obtained my Doctor of Nursing Practice at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Needless to say, I was expecting joy over having obtained my life goal of a doctorate. Upon my return to Manitoba to practice as a Nurse Practitioner, it was made clear to me that the law in Manitoba (per the Medical Act) would not allow me to use the title Doctor or Dr. or any form of this title in my clinical practice or any other setting, The new Regulated Health Professions Act which is set to replace the Medical Act, will allow me to use Dr. or Doctor only in teaching, administrative, or research.
Non-application

"78(10)      Subsection (1) does not apply to a person who uses the title "doctor", "surgeon" or "physician", or a variation or an abbreviation of any of them or an equivalent in another language, alone or in combination with other words in connection with teaching, research or administration."

So in essence, because I do not work in teaching, research or administration, I am not legally allowed to use a title that was officially given to me by a reputable university. If it is against the law to use the title Dr. or Doctor, then why are universities giving academic degrees that have the title Dr. or Doctor?

I am also questioning why our current legislation allows chiropractors, naturopaths, and podiatrists the right to use Dr. or Doctor. These are professions that have been known to be controversial regarding evidence-based practice. Some of the practices of naturopaths have been called into question recently when a child died of meningitis after being treated by a naturopath with herbal remedies. I practice western medicine that is evidence-based. My doctorate is not controversial and is legitimate. I worked hard to obtain it and it has had a great benefit in my ability to practice.

I am going forth with a Constitutional challenge or a Human Rights complaint in Manitoba to fight for the right for all Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners with a doctorate, to use the title Dr. or Doctor in any setting be it clinical or not, as long as the specify that they are Nurses or Nurse Practitioners 

Going forth with such a challenge or complaint will likely require a lawyer which can cost more than I am capable of paying. I am trying to fight for the rights of all doctorally prepared RNs and NPs in Manitoba and Canada. It is a daunting task to take on the government and I'm hoping with the help of my family, friends and fellow RNs and NPs that I can take on this challenge.

Thank you so much for any support. It takes more than one person to make a difference in this situation and with your help we can do it.

Dr. Donna Alden-Bugden, RN(NP), DNP
Family Nurse Practitioner