State by State Licensing Requirements for Nutrition Professionals
Title Protection States
More About Title Protection
Holistic nutrition professionals may work with individuals and groups providing nutrition services; however, as the name implies, you may not refer to yourself as nor imply that you are a dietitian, and in many states, the title nutritionist is protected. You may not state nor imply that you are licensed or certified by the State. Each state has laws governing protected titles and abbreviations/designations, and the NANP urges holistic nutrition professionals to review the laws of their state.
Exclusive Scope of Practice States
More About Exclusive Scope
Exclusive Scope of Practice States are the most difficult and restrictive for holistic nutrition professionals to practice. These states require a license to provide nutrition care services, and only Dietitians and, in some cases, Certified Nutrition Specialists (nutritionists) may obtain a license. These states typically have exemption language written in their laws allowing holistic nutrition professionals to provide general nutrition information; however, you may not individualize dietary recommendations or assess the nutrient status of your client. General nutrition information applies to the masses and can be found in a book, a medical journal, on the internet, etc. These states also protect titles such as dietitian, nutritionist, dietitian/nutritionist, and abbreviations such as L.D., L.N., R.D.N., and C.N.S. Practitioners should be aware that there may be legal penalties if found guilty of practicing outside of the scope of practice which includes monetary fines and jail time.
No Law or Certification States
More About No Law or Certification
These states are the most lenient regarding how a holistic nutrition professional may practice. States such as California, Washington State, Colorado, Arizona, Maine, etc., do not have regulatory restrictions on who may provide nutrition advice. Some of these states do protect specific titles and abbreviations/designations. The NANP recommends that practitioners check their state’s laws as new regulations that affect who and how holistic nutrition professionals provide services can be added.
NANP continually advocates for our members & our industry
STAYING ON TOP OF LEGAL & LEGISLATIVE ISSUES… because our livelihood depends on it!
NANP is the leading U.S. trade association that sets the nation’s standards for schools that abide by the highest-quality:
Academic Standards
Ethical Standards
Scope-of-Practice Standards
Since the NANP is comprised of only holistic nutrition students and professionals, it’s literally our business to understand YOU and YOUR unique education, qualifications, and needs.
The truth is that many students and recent graduates often don’t realize that the laws surrounding their work vary from state to state, and ongoing legislative efforts are underway throughout the U.S. every year. NANP Legislative Affairs continues to work to protect and expand the rights of Holistic Nutrition Professionals in the United States.
Do I need a license to practice holistic nutrition?
VIDEO: Let’s Talk About Licensure with NANP team members Andrea Grandson, NT, BCHN®, Nicole Hodson, NC, BCHN®, CDSP™, & Laura Waldo, NTP, BCHN®
Do I need a license to practice holistic nutrition?
The truth about licensure and billing insurance.
The non-licensure Career Pathway
The path of non-licensure vs. licensure
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Our Legislative Affairs Division is here to fight for YOU!
Involved
The NANP is actively involved at both the state and local levels to ensure a bright future for our members and the Holistic Nutrition and Wellness industry.
Support
The NANP wholeheartedly supports your goal of helping your clients achieve optimal health through a nutrient-dense, whole foods approach to eating.
Success
Your success is crucial to the NANP’s vision of optimizing the nutrition and well-being of your community.
Access
In today’s ever-changing landscape of legal rights to practice in each state, you will have peace of mind as a NANP member with full access to our Legislative Affairs Division.
Stay in your lane…
Holistic Nutrition Professionals (HNPs) are not licensed in any state.
Scope of Practice:
HNPs do not diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, prescribe, heal, or manage any disease state in our clients.
HNPs do not practice Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) which is the provision of nutrition care services for the treatment or management of a disease or medical condition.
HNPs may be able to order laboratory assessments. Please check the laws in your state.
NANP’s Legislative Affairs Specialist can help YOU!
- Advocate for you in your state
- Understand the laws of your state
- Keep you up to date with the latest legislative changes that affect you and your practice
Helping nutrition professionals build a better world one client at a time.
Latest Articles
Let’s Checkout The Latest Legislative News
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Legal Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is not offered as legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional legal advice.
The information provided by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) is intended for educational purposes only and is based on guidelines applicable to the United States. Our resources and recommendations are tailored explicitly to U.S. laws and may not be applicable or compliant with regulations in other countries. Members are encouraged to seek local expertise from nutrition associations in other countries before working with clients overseas and to adhere to the guidelines relevant to their specific location when working internationally. NANP Legislative Affairs is unable to offer guidance to members regarding working outside of the United States, as nutritional regulations vary significantly by country and region.