43-17-02.2. Use of certain words or initials prohibited

43-17-02.2. Use of certain words or initials prohibited 1. An individual may not use the title of "doctor of medicine", "medical doctor", "doctor of osteopathic medicine", "osteopathic physician", "physician", "M.D.", or "D.O." unless the individual is licensed as a physician or resident physician under this chapter. 2. An individual may not use the title of "physician assistant" or "P.A." unless the individual is licensed as a physician assistant under this chapter or is privileged to practice in this state under chapter 43-17.5. 3. This section may not be construed to prohibit a licensed health care professional from using a title incorporating any of the words specified in subsection 1 or 2, or from using a title or designation that is not specifically protected by subsection 1 or 2, if the title or designation used is permitted under the health care professional's practice act. 4. Notwithstanding subsections 1 and 2, an individual who does not hold an active physician, resident physician, or physician assistant license may still use the title conferred by a qualified educational degree recognized under this chapter, but may not practice unless licensed under this chapter or privileged to practice in this state under