(a) It shall be unlawful for any person who is not licensed under the Kansas healing arts act or whose license has been revoked or suspended to open or maintain an office for the practice of the healing arts as defined in this act or to announce or hold out to the public the intention, authority or skill to practice the healing arts as defined in the Kansas healing arts act by the use of any professional degree or designation, sign, card, circular, device, advertisement or representation.

(b) This section shall not apply to any health care provider who in good faith renders emergency care or assistance at the scene of an emergency or accident as authorized by Kan. Stat. Ann. § 65-2891, and amendments thereto.

(c) It shall not be considered a violation of the Kansas healing arts act if an unlicensed person appends to such person’s name the word “doctor” or the letters “M.D.,” “D.O.” or “D.C.,” if such person has earned such professional degree from an accredited healing arts school or college, and if the use of such word or initials is not misleading the public, patients or other health care providers that such person: (1) Is engaged in the practice of the healing arts within this state; or (2) is licensed to practice the healing arts in this state. The provisions of this subsection shall apply to any proceeding pending before the board that has not reached a final order or disposition by the board prior to the effective date of this act and to any proceeding commenced before the board on or after the effective date of this act.

(d) Violation of this section is a severity level 10, nonperson felony. In addition, violation of this section may subject a person to civil fines and assessment of reasonable costs of investigation and prosecution.