Delaware is an Exclusive Scope of Practice State and licenses dietitians and nutritionists. § 3810. Licensure required states: “No person shall represent oneself or engage in the practice of dietetics and nutrition therapy as a Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist in this State or use the title “Licensed Dietitian,” “Licensed Nutritionist,” “Nutritionist,” “Dietitian,” use the letters “L.D.N.”, or any combination of above terms and/or abbreviations unless such a person is licensed under this chapter. “
There are exemptions for those who are not licensed as a Dietitian or Nutritionist:
This chapter does not prohibit or restrict:
(1) Any person licensed in this State under any other act from engaging in the practice for which that person is licensed.
(2) The practice of dietetic and nutrition therapy by a person who is employed by the United States or state government or any of its bureaus, divisions, or agencies while in the discharge of the employee’s official duties.
(3) The supervised practice of dietetic and nutrition therapy of person pursuing a course of study leading to a degree in dietetics, nutrition or an equivalent major, as authorized by the Board, from a regionally accredited school or program, if the activities and services constitute a part of a supervised course of study and if the person is designated by a title that clearly indicates the person’s status as a student. This period is not to exceed 2 years unless written approval is provided by the Board. The individual will be supervised by an individual licensed under this chapter.
(4) An herbalist, retailer or other person who does not hold himself or herself out to be a dietitian or nutritionist by using 1 or more of the titles restricted by this chapter, who makes recommendations regarding lifestyle, or who markets, distributes, sells, or who recommends, advises, or furnishes nonfraudulent information about, herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, carbohydrates, sugars, enzymes, food concentrates, foods, other food supplements, or dietary supplements. For purposes of this paragraph, “fraud” shall be defined as an intentional misrepresentation for financial gain. Legitimate disagreement about the role of the above-listed nutrients and foods as they apply to human nutrition shall not, in and of itself, constitute fraud.
(5) The practice of the tenets of any religion, sect or denomination whatsoever, provided that a member of such religion, sect or denomination shall not designate himself or herself by any other term or title which implies that such member is engaged in the practice of dietetic and nutrition therapy.
(6) A person presenting a general program of instruction for weight control need not be a Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist provided the general program is approved in writing by:
- A dietitian registered by the Commission of Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association; or
- A licensed physician.
(7) The practice of dietetic and nutrition therapy by a person who is eligible to take the registration examination for dietitians as administered by the Commission of Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency of the American Dietetic Association. This individual is excluded under this chapter for a period of 1 year upon completion of qualifying experience as set forth by the American Dietetic Association.
