Massachusetts would require licenses for nutrition treatment, with specific exceptions

People would generally need a state license to provide nutrition treatment for disease or use dietitian and nutritionist titles. The treatment rules would cover nutrition services used to manage or treat disease or a medical condition. Title restrictions would also apply outside treatment settings. Exceptions would cover supervised students and trainees, certain government workers, other licensed health professionals working within their authority, and specified approved or supervised services. People could offer wellness advice without this license if they do not provide disease treatment, use protected titles, or claim qualifications to provide that treatment. Out-of-state professionals licensed or certified in good standing could treat patients remotely within their authorized practice. They would need to consult a Massachusetts treatment provider who already cares for the patient, serve an existing patient temporarily in Massachusetts, or provide temporary follow-up care to an existing patient. Within their competence, nutritionists could order oral treatment diets and nutrition-related laboratory tests. Dietitian practice would also include diets delivered through feeding tubes or into veins.

Applicants would have to meet separate requirements for dietitian and nutritionist licenses. Applicants would need to be at least 18 and competent to practice safely. License holders would need continuing education and would renew their licenses every two years. Dietitians could qualify through current registered dietitian credentials or approved graduate education, at least 1,000 supervised practice hours, and an exam. Nutritionists would need a relevant graduate degree, required science coursework, and at least 1,000 supervised hours. Each of three practice areas would require at least 200 hours. They would also need an approved exam or current certified nutrition specialist credentials. People licensed or applying before the act takes effect could keep using the earlier requirements if they remain in good standing and maintain an active or inactive license. Existing combined-license holders would receive dietitian licenses if they hold registered dietitian credentials, or nutritionist licenses otherwise, without additional requirements. Applicants would need to finish supervised practice within five years of completing the required education, unless the licensing board grants a limited extension for extraordinary circumstances.

The licensing board could issue one-year provisional licenses for supervised practice. The option would cover people seeking dietitian or nutritionist licenses. Applicants would need to pay the required fee and show completion of the education and supervised practice requirements. Dietitian applicants would work under a licensed dietitian. Nutritionist applicants could work under a licensed dietitian or licensed nutritionist. The board could approve or decline a provisional license.

State officials, nutrition professionals, and consumers would serve on two boards, with the licensing board setting standards and handling professional discipline. The dietetics and nutrition board would sit within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The separate licensing board would sit within the Department of Public Health. The governor would appoint a nine-member licensing board with five licensed dietitians, one licensed nutritionist, one physician, and two consumers. The licensing board could conduct fingerprint-based national background checks, but could not share the reports outside Massachusetts. It could discipline applicants and licensees for misconduct, unsafe practice, and specified crimes. Penalties could include license loss, fines up to $5,000 per violation, and repayment up to $50,000 where appropriate. A license holder suspended for posing an immediate danger would receive a hearing within seven days. Licensing board members serving when the act takes effect would finish their terms and remain until their successors are appointed.