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.
Our team has worked hard to protect holistic practitioners. Each positive change has been a win for you!
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… because your 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.
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
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.
Helping nutrition professionals build a better world one client at a time.
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WHEN SHOULD A HOLISTIC NUTRITION PROFESSIONALREPORT TO AUTHORITIES
Holistic nutrition professionals are unlicensed in all states. During client work, we may suspect abuse, neglect, self-harm, illegal activity, or other concerning behavior.Despite being unlicensed,…
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.