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 chapter 43-17.5.