Iowa Licensure Law
In 1985 Iowa passed a licensure law which regulates and defines the scope of practice in dietetics. An individual must be licensed as a dietitian within the state to practice dietetics.Practice of dietetics is defined as the integration and application of principles derived from the sciences of nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, food, management, and behavioral and social sciences to achieve and maintain peoples' health. The primary function of dietetic practice is the provision of nutrition care services.
Exemptions include:
Licensed physicians and surgeons, nurses, chiropractors, dentists, dental hygienists, pharmacists, or physical therapists who make dietetic or nutritional assessments, or give dietetic or nutritional advice in the normal practice of their profession or as otherwise authorized by law.
Dietetic students who engage in clinical practice under the supervision of a dietitian as part of a dietetic program approved or accredited by the American Dietetic Association.
Dietitians who serve in the armed forces or the public health service of the U.S. or have received at least a baccalaureate degree.
Dietitians who are licensed in another state, in the U.S. possession, or country, or have received at least a baccalaureate degree and are in the state of Iowa for the purpose of consultation, or conducting a teaching clinical demonstration in connection with a program of basic clinical education.
Individuals who do not call themselves dietitians but routinely, in the course of doing business, market or distribute weight loss programs or sell nutritional products and provide explanations for customers regarding the use of the programs or products relative to normal nutritional needs.
Individuals who provide routine education and advice regarding normal nutritional requirements and sources of nutrients, including, but not limited to, persons who provide information as to the use and sale of food and food materials including dietary supplements.
THIS STATE HAS A LICENSURE LAW THAT DOES NOT ITEMIZE WEIGHT MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS. IT IS, THEREFORE, ASSUMED TO BE ILLEGAL TO PROVIDE ANY NUTRITION SERVICES WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF A LICENSED DIETITIAN.
Although every attempt has been made to summarize the state licensure statutes, to provide health professionals with accurate statements regarding individual state regulations, Lifestyle Management Associates cannot guarantee that all information is current at all points in time, and cannot guarantee or be held responsible for any misinterpretations of the law. Every attempt has been made to persuade all allied health professionals to associate with registered, licensed dietitians.
For more detailed information on the licensure laws of this state and to obtain state licensure agency contact information visit www.cdrnet.org/certifications/licensure/index.htm
