Licensure Map and Statutes by State

Medical nutrition therapy is a medical treatment. Like other medical treatments provided by non-physician practitioners, registered dietitian nutritionists generally can practice MNT because of licensure and certification laws which provide authority for RDNs to provide this medical service. It is with this understanding the Academy recommends, unless there is an applicable exception or exemption or a state does not provide for licensure or certification requirements, practitioners hold licensure or certification in all states where the practitioner's clients or patients are located when services are provided.

Pathways to Licensure

There are three general pathways to licensure:

1. Traditional — an application is submitted along with fee and proof of meeting education, supervised practice and examination requirements. Some states require a criminal record check.
2. Licensure (or certification) by endorsement — accelerated pathway to licensure based on current, valid RDN registration with CDR which may reduce paperwork burden when applying. However, completing the application, paying the fee and obtaining a license are required to lawfully practice. If offered, this is likely the easiest process to obtain a license for RDNs.
3. Licensure (or certification) by reciprocity — accelerated pathway to licensure based on current, valid licensure in another state or territory. Generally, reciprocity requires licensure requirements in the other state to be substantially the same or equivalent to the state in which one is seeking licensure. This could reduce some paperwork burden when applying. However, completing the application, paying the fee and obtaining a license are still required to lawfully practice.

Exceptions/Exemptions

Licensure waivers exempt the practitioners from licensure requirements, often for a limited period (e.g. allowing temporary practice for a defined number of days so long as licensed in another state). Generally, exceptions or exemptions to licensure laws that regulate the practice of the profession are found within the licensure statute.

Temporary/Provisional Licensure

Temporary or provisional licenses generally grant authority to practice for a limited period before passage of the examination based on completion of education and experience requirements. In general, provisionally licensed practitioners must practice under the supervision of a licensed practitioner.

Title Protection without Licensure or Certification

California, Colorado and Virginia laws restrict the usage of specified titles to use by defined credentialed practitioners, but do not require licensure or certification by the state.

Telehealth

The legal status of cross-border/telehealth practice is generally determined by the location of the patient or client. Some state telehealth laws may provide authority to health care practitioners to practice so long as one is licensed in at least one state. Other state telehealth laws require health care practitioners to be licensed in that specific state to lawfully practice.

RDNs should review telehealth-specific laws for every state where the RDN seeks to practice. Although not an exhaustive list, a helpful resource on state-specific telehealth laws is The Center for Connected Health Policy. To review relevant telehealth laws using this resource, click “State” from the dropdown menu at the top and select the state of interest, select the topic “Professional Requirements,” and then select the relevant subtopic of inquiry on the left.

Note that some laws and regulations listed on this website may only apply to specific health care practitioners. Use the provided “Source” link to review the state's statutory or regulatory language. RDNs should always confer with a state's licensure board for specific questions about telehealth and applicability of state laws.

For more information, see the Academy's Telehealth Quick Guide.

Licensure Compact

For details on the RDN licensure compact, visit The Council of State Government for information and updates.

This map provides links to boards, statutes and rules. To view the information for a specific state, click on that state and a pop-out box will appear with links for more information.

Click on your state to access licensure boards, statutes and rules.

Do you have questions about licensure?

• Join the Academy's member-exclusive Licensure and Licensure Compact Office Hours the first and third Wednesday of the month, from 1-2 p.m. (Central) — where experts address your specific questions or comments regarding licensure, telehealth and other topics related to consumer protection.
• Looking for information about the Academy's current licensure efforts? Register for the Licensure Initiatives Affinity Group, which meets every second Tuesday of the month, 3 - 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). This forum-based discussion includes staff, policy leaders and members and focuses on licensure priorities and strategies.
• If the information above or at the provided links did not answer your question, please complete the member contact form. Academy staff will respond within 7-10 business days.