LEGISLATIVE HIGHUGHTS

icensure of dietitians and nutritionists

icensure of dietitians and nutritionists began in Puerto Ricoin 1974. Since then, 29 states have enacted some form ofregulation. Nineteen states have a licensure law, nine have a

certification law, and one (California) has registration.Definitions of licensure, statutory certification, and registra-

tion are as follows. Licensing statutes include an explicitly definedscope of practice. In states with such statutes, practice in theprofession is illegal without first obtaining a license from the state.

Statutory certification limits use of particular titles to personsmeeting predetermined requirements, but persons not certifiedcan still practice the occupation or profession. In Georgia, Missis-sippi, and Oregon, these laws provide the certified practitionerwith a license, and are termed "voluntary licensing" laws by thesestates. Several states that have certification are seeking legisla-tion to upgrade their bills to stricter licensure laws.

Registration is the least restrictive form of a state regulation; itprotects the use of the title by individuals not meeting state-mandated qualifications. As with certification, unregistered per-sons are permitted to practice the profession. Typically withregistration, examinations are not given and enforcement of theregistration is minimal. No state test is given and no fees arecollected.

Licensure is a state regulation. Each state has its own regula-tions, and a dietitian licensure bill must be written to comply witheach state's legal requirements. This means that, regulationsrequired in one state may not apply in another state. Several areasthat differ are educational requirements, amount of continuingeducation needed, cost of licensure, legal recourse, and whichpractitioners are regulated.

The American Dietetic Association coordinates its licensureactivities from the Division of Government Affairs in Washington,DC. Many states have been actively developing licensure bills, anda number of state licensure bills will be introduced in the 1993-1994 legislative sessions. To become involved with your state'slicensure efforts, contact your State Licensure Chairperson or theDivision of Government Affairs in Washington, DC; 202/371-0500.

STATES THAT REGULATE THE PRACTICE OFDIETITIANS/NUTRITIONISTSThe following list gives the status of state laws regulating thepractice of dietitians and nutritionists. States not listed do nothave such laws. The date in parentheses, unless otherwise noted,is the date the law was enacted.

ALABAMA (1989)' - licensing of dietitian-nutritionistsARKANSAS (1989) - licensing of dietitiansCALIFORNIA (1982) - registration 2 of dietitiansDISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (1986) - licensing of dietitians and nutrition

istsFLORIDA (1988) - licensing of dietitian-nutritionists and nutrition

counselorsGEORGIA (1989)' - certification 3 of dietitiansILLINOIS (1991) - licensing of dietitians and nutrition counselorsIOWA (1985) - licensing of dietitiansKANSAS (1989)1 - licensing of dietitiansKENTUCKY (1988) - certification of dietitians and nutritionistsLOUISIANA (1987)1 - licensing of dietitian-nutritionistsMAINE (1987)' - licensing of dietitians and dietetic techniciansMARYLAND (1989)' - licensing of dietitians and nutritionistsMississiPPi (1986) - certification 3 of dietitians and protection of

nutritionist titleMONTANA (1987,1983) - licensing of nutritionists and protection

of dietitian titleNEBRASKA (1988) - certification of nutritionistsNEW MEXICO (1989) - licensing of dietitians, nutritionists, and

nutrition associatesNEW YORK (1991) - certification of dietitians and nutritionistsNORTH CAROLINA (1991) - licensing of dietitians and nutritionistsNORTH DAKOTA (1989)' - licensing of dietitians and certification3

of nutritionistsOHIO (1986) - licensing of dietitiansOKLAHOMA (1984) - licensing of dietitiansOREGON (1989) - certification' of dietitiansPUERTO RIco (1974)' - licensing of dietitians and nutritionistsRHODE ISLAND (1991)' - licensing of dietitians and nutritionistsTENNESSEE (1987) - licensing of dietitians-nutritionistsTEXAS (1983) - certification 3 of dietitiansUTAH (1986) - certification of dietitiansWASHINGTON (1988) - certification of dietitians and nutritionists

Year amended or reauthorized.2 This is an entitlement law, which prohibits the use of the title byindividuals not meeting state-mandated qualifications.3 These laws provide the certified practitioner with a license and aretermed "voluntary licensing" laws.

272 / MARCH 1993 VOLUME 93 NUMBER 3