Governor Larry Rhoden signed the Dietitian Licensure Compact into law on March 6, 2025, making South Dakota the fifth state to enact the compact, a major step forward in expanding access to nutrition care. Through collaboration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the South Dakota affiliate, state leaders championed this legislation with a strong commitment to licensure mobility and improving access to nutrition care across state lines.
The Dietitian Licensure Compact facilitates telehealth, providing licensees with opportunities for multistate practice, increasing mobility for individuals who are relocating — especially for dietitians who serve in the military or have spouses who serve — while improving public safety and promoting workforce development by reducing unnecessary licensure burdens.
The momentum is building! The Dietitian Licensure Compact requires passage in just two more states before the Compact Commission can form and begin operationalizing the compact.
In alignment with the Academy's compact advocacy strategy, 21 states have introduced bills to advance the compact in the 2025 legislative session.
The Academy congratulates South Dakota's policy leaders and thanks them for their commitment to supporting this legislation and the positive impact it will have for South Dakota and the nation.
Academy members interested in getting involved in licensure efforts are encouraged to participate in the monthly Licensure Initiatives Affinity Group , a forum-based event where staff, policy leaders and members discuss advocacy priorities and strategies, share their experience and determine how they can become involved in advocating.
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