Navigating licensure for dietitians can be daunting, especially if you’re new to the field or expanding your services across states. Last week, I promised to share the best licensure resources I’ve found to help guide you through this process.
Now, I’ll admit upfront—there’s no single perfect resource for dietitian licensure. Each requires a bit of effort to understand and apply, but together, they’ll give you a clearer path toward compliance. Let’s dive in!
Key Resources for Dietitian Licensure
Resource 1: Academy Licensure Office Hours
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) offers licensure office hours for members every Wednesday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm EST. If you have specific questions on licensure rules in your state, this is an excellent opportunity to get direct answers. For those unable to attend, AND also provides a link where you can submit questions, though responses may take 7-10 days.
Click HERE to join The Academy’s office hours on dietitian licensure.
Resource 2: Academy Licensure Affinity Group
Another AND perk is the Licensure Initiatives Affinity Group, a community that meets monthly to discuss dietitian licensure topics and advocacy. These discussions, held on the second Tuesday of each month, provide insights into licensure priorities and how you can stay informed on legal changes impacting your practice. As telehealth and virtual practices grow, staying up-to-date with dietitian licensure regulations is essential.
Click HERE to join the Licensure Affinity Group.
Resource 3: AND’s Licensure Map
AND’s licensure map allows members to click on each state to view licensure requirements. While this map isn’t the easiest to navigate, it’s a good starting point if you’re unfamiliar with state-specific licensure rules. Just remember—you must be logged in as an AND member to access it.
Click HERE to access the Academy’s map on dietitian licensure.
Resource 4: CDR Licensure Map
For non-members, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) offers a similar licensure map, accessible to the public. This map is a valuable resource for dietitians needing a quick look at licensure laws without an AND membership.
Click HERE to access CDR’s map on dietitian licensure.
Resource 5: Dietitian Licensure Compact
With state-by-state regulations, practicing across state lines has been challenging for dietitians. However, initiatives like the Dietitian Licensure Compact aim to standardize these requirements. Through collaborations with organizations like the Council for State Governments and the Department of Defense, AND is pushing for more flexibility to support multistate licensure. This compact could allow dietitians to expand their services across member states with fewer barriers.
Click HERE to access information the Dietitian Licensure Compact
Resource 6: State Laws for Certified Nutrition Specialist
I think of all the resources ‘out there’ many of the CNS resources are the most helpful.
HERE is a link to a CNS resource from American Nutrition Association.
Clarifying Key Licensure Rules for Registered Dietitians
Licensure rules can be complex, but here are two essential points to remember. First, your service type—not your payment method—determines whether you need a license in a particular state. For instance, if you’re providing Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in a state requiring licensure, you must be licensed, regardless of whether you bill insurance or operate a cash-based practice.
Secondly, calling yourself a “coach” instead of a dietitian doesn’t exempt you from licensure requirements if you hold the Registered Dietitian credential. While CPT codes for coaching exist, they’re not widely accepted by insurance, meaning licensure rules for MNT apply to all credentialed dietitians.
I hope these resources and insights give you a helpful starting point in understanding licensure for dietitians.
If you want a deeper dive, check out the replay of my webinar on telehealth billing and licensure considerations. When it was presented live, we had over 200 + RDs and CNSs attend. So it was juicy indeed.
As always, I’m here to support your growth in our evolving profession!
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