North Carolina Licensure Law

In 1991 North Carolina passed one of the strictest licensure laws in the country - The Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act. This licensure law regulates and defines the scope of practice in nutrition. An individual must be licensed as a dietitian within the state to practice dietetics.

Practice of dietetics is defined the integration and application of principles derived from the science of nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, food, and management and from behavioral and social sciences to achieve and maintain a healthy status. The primary function of dietetic/nutrition practice is the provision of nutrition care services.

The requirements of this law shall not apply to:

1. A health care professional duly license in accordance with Chapter 90 of the General Statutes.

2. A student or trainee, working under the direct supervision of a licensed dietitian/nutritionist while fulfilling an experience requirement or pursuing a course of study to meet requirements for licensure.

3. A dietitian/nutritionist serving in the Armed Forces or the Public Health Service of the U.S. or employed by the Veterans Administration when performing duties associated with that service or employment.

4. A person aiding the practice of dietetic/nutrition if the person works under the direct supervision of a licensed dietitian/nutritionist and performs only support activities that do not require formal academic training the basic food, nutrition, chemical, biological, behavioral, and social sciences that are used in the practice of dietetics.

5. An employee of the State, a local political subdivision, or a local school administrative unit or a person that contracts with the State, a local political subdivision, or a local school administrative unit while engaged in the practice of dietetics/nutrition within the scope of that employment.

6. A retailer who does not hold himself out to be a dietitian or nutritionist when that retailer furnishes nutrition information to customers on food, food materials, dietary supplements and other goods sold at his retail establishment in connection with the marketing and distribution of those goods at his retail establishment.

7. A PERSON WHO PROVIDES WEIGHT CONTROL SERVICES; PROVIDED THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY, CONSULTATION IS AVAILABLE FROM, AND NO PROGRAM CHANGE CAN BE INITIAED WITH PRIOR APPROVAL OF:

A. A licensed dietitian/nutritionist

B. A dietitian/nutritionist licensed in another state that has licensure requirements that are at least as stringent as under this act; or

C. A dietitian registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association.

8. Employees of independent contractors of a hospital health care facility licensed in the state of North Carolina.9. A person who does not hold himself out to be a dietitian or nutritionist when that person furnishes nutrition information on food, food materials, or dietary supplements. This Act does not prohibit that person from making explanations to customers about foods of food products in connection with the marketing and distribution of these products.10. An herbalist or other person who does not hold himself out to be a dietitian or nutritionist when the person furnishes nonfraudulent specific nutritional information and counseling about the reported or historical use of herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, carbohydrates, sugars, enzymes, food concentrates, or other foods.

SINCE THIS STATE HAS STRICT LICENSURE LAWS, IT IS 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.

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