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Licensure Bill Signed into Law in Nebraska

The Nebraska Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ scope of practice bill updates the state’s medical nutrition therapy act for the first time in nearly three decades.

June 19, 2023 – On Tuesday, June 6, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed into law the Nebraska Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ scope of practice bill, which updated the state’s medical nutrition therapy act for the first time in nearly three decades. This legislation closely mirrored the Academy’s Model Practice Act and ensures only highly qualified nutrition practitioners can provide medical nutrition therapy in Nebraska.

The new law (1) licenses individuals as licensed dietitian nutritionists who have met ACEND-accredited coursework and supervised practice requirements and passed the CDR exam for RDNs and (2) creates a separate pathway for licensure as a licensed nutritionist for individuals with advanced degrees in nutrition meeting objective, demanding coursework, experience and examination requirements. The law enables RDNs to order therapeutic diets and nutrition-related laboratory tests and implement prescription drug dose adjustments pursuant to specific disease treatment protocols, allowing Nebraska RDNs to practice at the height of their scope of practice. The law also expands access to care by allowing consultation with physician assistants and nurse practitioners, in addition to physicians. Additionally, the affiliate’s advocacy efforts resulted in the passage of legislation requiring parity reimbursement for telehealth services.

Thank you to our Nebraska affiliate leaders, members and the lobbying team who helped draft the legislation and move it through the legislature to modernize regulation of the practice of dietetics and nutrition in Nebraska. Multiple affiliates across the country are working to enact similar legislation in their states to increase access to timely, competent nutrition care by qualified nutrition providers.

Academy members are encouraged to get involved in this important issue by joining the Licensure Initiatives Advocacy Affinity Group.

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