Massachusetts 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.

Links to State Boards, Statutes and Regulations

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Statute and Regulation Details

Background info and terminology

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

N/A

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

Section 208: Dietitians/nutritionists; authority for recognition of licensees from other states

Section 208. The board may provide reciprocal recognition for registered, certified or licensed dietitians/nutritionists from other jurisdictions, provided that the standards of registration, certification and licensure in the jurisdiction are reasonably equivalent to those set forth in sections 198 and 199.

Temporary/Provisional Licensure (or Certification)

N/A

Exceptions/Exemptions

Section 206: Authorized activities for nonlicensed dietitians/nutritionists

No person shall hold himself out to be a licensed dietitian/nutritionist unless so licensed under the applicable provisions of this chapter. This section shall not restrict any person who does not hold himself out to be a licensed dietitian/nutritionist from the following:

(a) pursuing a degree in dietetics or nutrition at an accredited college or university and engaging in the practice of dietetics or nutrition under the supervision of a licensed dietitian/nutritionist and in accordance with professional standards of practice, provided that the person is designated by a title clearly indicating his status as a student;

(b) fulfilling the professional experience requirement in dietetic or nutrition necessary for licensure who is engaging in the practice of dietetics or nutrition under the supervision of a licensed dietitian/nutritionist and in accordance with professional standards of practice, provided that the person is designated by a title clearly indicating his status as a trainee;

(c) furnishing information regarding food, food material, or dietary supplements;

(d) furnishing information about food, food products, or dietary supplements to customers in connection with the marketing and distribution of such items;

(e) practicing a health profession that he is otherwise authorized to practice under chapter 112 of the General Laws; or

(f) practicing a health profession that includes a dietetic or nutritional practice component, including, but not limited to, holistic medicine, naturopathic medicine, homopathic medicine, macrobiotics, ayurvedic therapy, polarity therapy, shiatsu therapy, massage therapy, and herbal therapy.

Updated August 2023

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