Delaware would split nutrition licenses and limit each profession’s work

Delaware would create separate licenses and areas of work for dietitians and nutritionists. The two licenses would cover professionals who provide medical nutrition therapy in Delaware. Licensed dietitians could provide medical nutrition therapy for complex and non-complex conditions in inpatient and outpatient settings. Licensed nutritionists could order oral therapeutic diets and related tests within their competence, but could not treat complex cases or provide medical nutrition therapy in inpatient or high-acuity outpatient settings. The Act would take effect when enacted, but the new licensing system would start when final rules are published or 18 months after enactment, whichever comes first.

Applicants would follow separate training and exam paths, with supervised provisional licenses available for some people awaiting an exam. These rules would cover new Delaware dietitian and nutritionist applicants; current licensees would use separate transition rules. Dietitian applicants must complete an accredited program, at least 1,000 supervised hours, and the required exam; a current registered dietitian credential satisfies the licensing qualifications. Nutritionist applicants need a qualifying master’s or doctoral degree, specified science coursework, at least 1,000 supervised hours, and an approved exam or current certified nutrition specialist credential. A provisional license would last one year and require completed education and supervised work, payment of fees, and supervision by an appropriately licensed professional. Dietitian degree requirements depend on whether the applicant graduated before or on or after January 1, 2024. The new system would start by 18 months after enactment, or sooner when final rules are published.

The Board would move current combined-license holders into one of the two new license categories. The transition would cover people holding an active Delaware dietitian/nutritionist license in good standing when the new system starts. A current licensee with a registered dietitian credential would receive a dietitian license without further requirements. A licensee without that credential could seek a dietitian license by showing three years of recent practice, work treating complex conditions, and current competence. A person who does not apply on time, or whose application is denied, would receive a nutritionist license without further requirements. Applications for dietitian status under the transition must be submitted within 12 months after implementation. Timely applicants would keep their combined license until the Board decides.

The Board would provide a route to Delaware licenses for qualified dietitians and nutritionists from other states. This route would cover certified or licensed dietitians and nutritionists applying from another state. Applicants from states with reasonably equivalent standards could qualify through reciprocity. When another state’s standards are not reasonably equivalent, the applicant must have held a certification or license there in good standing for at least five years. The Board would choose the Delaware license category by reviewing the applicant’s education, supervised work, exam, credentials, experience, and permitted work—not the out-of-state title alone. The reciprocity rules would start when the new licensing system is implemented.

Medical nutrition therapy would generally require a Delaware license, and specified professional titles would be restricted. The restrictions would apply to people providing medical nutrition therapy or presenting themselves as dietitians or nutritionists in Delaware. Other Delaware-licensed health professionals could work within their own licenses but could not claim the protected dietitian or nutritionist titles. The text provides exceptions for supervised students and support workers, certain federal personnel, WIC nutrition workers, and approved or professionally overseen weight-control programs. People could offer general nutrition information, health coaching, wellness education, and nonmedical weight services without a license if they do not provide medical nutrition therapy or use protected titles. These restrictions and exceptions would start when the new licensing system is implemented.