Utah's Compact Enactment Brings Dietitians Closer to Less Burdensome Multistate Practice

Utah has officially become the eighth state to enact the Dietitian Licensure Compact, further advancing the nationwide effort to modernize licensure and expand access to nutrition care. The Academy commends the leadership of Utah's affiliate policy team and chief sponsor Senator Evan J. Vickers, whose support was key to moving this legislation forward. Each new state strengthens the compact's foundation and brings us closer to full implementation, paving the way for a streamlined multistate practice for licensed dietitians.

The Dietitian Licensure Compact will enhance licensure mobility, facilitate telehealth, and strengthen public protection by enabling licensed dietitians to practice across state lines without obtaining individual licenses in each state, while maintaining state licensing standards. It also promotes career stability for military-connected dietitians and their spouses and advances workforce development across the nation.

With the compact's seven-state threshold already met, planning is underway to form the Compact Commission, which will serve as the governing body responsible for establishing rules, procedures, and infrastructure to operationalize the compact. The Commission's inaugural meeting is expected to take place in early fall 2025, bringing together representatives from each member state to shape how the compact will function and be administered.

As additional states join the compact this session, they will play an important role in supporting the Commission's development and ensuring the compact reflects the shared goals of the profession and participating states.

Academy members interested in supporting compact advocacy and licensure modernization are encouraged to join the Licensure Initiatives Affinity Group — a monthly forum for members, policy leaders, and staff to collaborate, strategize, and stay engaged in this historic effort.