Legislative Affairs > State Laws

Michigan

AS OF APRIL 30, 2024, THE LAW IN MICHIGAN HAS CHANGED FROM A NO-LAW/CERTIFICATION STATE TO A TITLE PROTECTION STATE.

Public Act 39, Part 183A. DIETETICS AND NUTRITION

The new law contains exemption language for holistic nutrition professionals and states:

(Nothing in this law prevents) An individual from providing general nonmedical nutrition information, guidance, encouragement, individualized nutrition recommendations for wellness or primary prevention of chronic disease, behavior change management, coaching, assessments, services for weight management, or other nutrition care services if the services do not constitute the practice of medical nutrition therapy, the individual does not use the titles protected under subsection (2) or otherwise hold the individual out as a dietitian nutritionist or as a provider who engages in the practice of medical nutrition therapy, and the individual does not otherwise violate this act.

It’s important for practitioners to be aware that certain titles are protected under the new law. The following words, titles, or letters or a combination of the following words, titles, or letters, with or without qualifying words or phrases, are restricted in use only to a dietitian nutritionist: “licensed dietitian nutritionist”, “dietitian nutritionist”, “dietitian”, “dietician”, “nutritionist,” or “l.d.n.”.

The law specifically states that an individual may use any lawfully earned federally trademarked title. Those who are Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® should feel respected and recognized and continue to use their title.

We understand the importance of having access to the full details of Public Act 39. We have included a link to the PDF version for your ease and accessibility: Michigan Public Act 39, Dietetics and Nutrition