Maine Statutes

Medical nutrition therapy is a medical treatment. Like other non-physician practitioners providing medical treatments, 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 that the Academy strongly 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.

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Statute and Regulation Details

Background info and terminology

Licensure (or Certification) by Endorsement of RDN Credential/Exemptions

§9907-A. Licensure by endorsement

Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the board, in accordance with Title 10, section 8003‑H and any applicable rules adopted pursuant to that section, shall establish a process to issue a license by endorsement for each license authorized under this chapter that the board determines is appropriate for licensure by endorsement. An applicant may submit an application under the process established under this section or any other licensure process authorized in this chapter.

Licensure (or Certification) by Reciprocity or Endorsement of Another License

§ 9912. Reciprocity

The board may, in its discretion, grant a license under this chapter to an individual licensed in another state if it determines that the requirements or standards for licensure in that state are equivalent to, or greater than, those established by this chapter. The board may not require an individual licensed in another state to meet requirements or standards for licensure in the State that are more stringent than requirements or standards for licensure imposed on in-state applicants.

02-344, Chapter 2: Rules for Licensing of Dietetic Practice (Regulations)

2. Licensure; C. Application; 4. Out of state applicant

Applicants who currently hold ADA (American Dietetic Association) registration in good standing will be eligible for consideration for licensure in the State of Maine.

Temporary/Provisional Licensure (or Certification)

§ 9914. Temporary license

The board shall adopt rules establishing requirements for a temporary license within the scope of this chapter.

02-344, Chapter 2: Rules for Licensing of Dietetic Practice (Regulations)

2. Licensure; D. Temporary License

1. An applicant who has met all the qualifications for licensure except passing the examination may receive a temporary one year non-renewable license. A permanent license may be issued after the candidate has fulfilled the requirements for permanent licensure, to include submission of an application, verification of having passed the examination and payment of the application and licensing fees. The holder of a temporary license is not required to obtain a permanent license prior to the expiration of the temporary license.

2. Under conditions of extreme hardship, the Board will review an application for renewal of temporary licensure. Requests must be submitted in writing to the Board 15 days before the temporary license expires.

Exceptions/Exemptions

§ 9915. Persons and practices exempt

Nothing in this chapter prevents the activities of:

1. Licensed persons. Any person licensed or registered in this State under any other law from engaging in the profession or occupation for which that person is licensed or registered;

2. Persons giving general nutrition-related information. Individuals who give general nutrition-related information;

3. State and federal employees. State and federal employees in state or federally funded cooperative extension food and nutrition programs and supplemental food and nutrition programs for women, infants and children;

4. Persons marketing or distributing food products. Persons who market or distribute food, food materials or dietary supplements or any person who engages in the explanation of the use of those products or the preparation of those products; and

5. Persons providing weight control services. Any person who provides weight control services, provided that:

A. The weight control program either recommends physician consultation generally or has in place procedures which require physician referral when medical conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypoglycemia, morbid obesity and pregnancy exist; and

B. The program has been reviewed by, consultation is available from and no program change may be initiated without prior approval by:

(1) A licensed dietitian;

(2) A dietitian licensed in another state that has licensure requirements determined by the board to be equal to the requirements of this chapter; or

(3) A dietitian in another state without licensing who is registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association or its successor or other organization approved by the board.

Updated August 2023

Disclaimer: This page is not intended to constitute legal or career advice. All information, content and materials are for general informational purposes only and may not represent the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites, which are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and its members do not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites, nor does such information necessarily constitute a legally binding interpretation of state policy. The ultimate authority to interpret each state's requirements is the licensing board or agency of that state.