(1) Except as otherwise provided in this part, beginning on the effective date of rules promulgated under section 16525 regarding licensure, an individual shall not use the words, titles, or letters “acupuncturist”, “certified acupuncturist”, “registered acupuncturist”, “licensed acupuncturist”, “L.Ac.”, or a similar word or initial that indicates that the individual is an acupuncturist, unless he or she is authorized under this part to use the terms and in a way prescribed in this part. However, for a period not to exceed 36 months from the effective date of the rules promulgated under section 16525 regarding licensure, a registered acupuncturist may, without a license under this part, continue to use the titles “acupuncturist”, “registered acupuncturist”, or “certified acupuncturist” and engage in the practice of acupuncture.

    (2) Until the effective date of the rules promulgated under section 16525 regarding licensure, an individual shall not use the words, titles, or letters “acupuncturist”, “certified acupuncturist”, or “registered acupuncturist”, or a combination of the words, titles, or letters, with or without qualifying words or phrases, unless he or she is registered under this part.

    (3) Until the effective date of the rules promulgated under section 16525 regarding licensure, neither of the following is subject to this part:

    (a) A physician who is licensed under part 170 or part 175.

    (b) An individual who is certified by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.