Yes, this is true. DOs may never own their own practice. In fact, by becoming a DO, the individual forfeits his or her right to own any property whatsoever, and all of the property previously owned by the DO prior to his being granted the DO degree is transferred to his or her nearest MD relative, or if there is no MD who is a third degree relative or closer, the property goes to the MD within whose last name most close resembles that of the DO.
Additionally, DOs are specifically forbidden by law from looking at MDs directly in the eyes, as this is a sign of disrespect that will not be tolerated.
DOs also lose their right to vote unless they undergo an allopathic residence and sign a sworn statement vowing to never practice OMM.
An amendment pending to the Untied States constitution would dictate than in the census (beginning in 2010) DOs will not count when determining a state's population for representation in the United States Congress. This amendment has the support of numerous republican lawmakers, specifically Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, and is also favor by many prominent evangelists such as Jerry Falwell, who view OMM as "left-wing pagan voodoo."
