(1) An individual shall not engage in the practice of nursing or the practice of nursing as a licensed practical nurse unless he or she is licensed or is otherwise authorized by this article.

    (2) The following words, titles, or letters or a combination of the words, titles, or letters, with or without qualifying words or phrases, are restricted in use only to those persons authorized under this part to use the terms and in a way prescribed in this part:

    (a) "Registered professional nurse", "registered nurse", "r.n.", "licensed practical nurse", "l.p.n.", "nurse midwife", "certified nurse midwife", "c.n.m.", "advanced practice registered nurse", "a.p.r.n.", "nurse anesthetist", "nurse practitioner", "n.p.", "certified nurse practitioner", and "c.n.p.".

    (b) Beginning 12 months after the effective date of the rules promulgated under section 17210(2), "clinical nurse specialist", "c.n.s.", "clinical nurse specialist-certified", and "c.n.s.-c.".