Mehaffie’s Bill to Recognize Role of Licensed Dietitian Nutritionists

September 9, 2019

HARRISBURG – Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) has introduced legislation to expand title protection for licensed dietitian nutritionists and ensure those presenting themselves as qualified professionals underwent appropriate education and training.

Licensed dietitian nutritionists evaluate the nutritional health needs of their patients, then counsel and provide services that help treat those patients’ diet-related diseases.

House Bill 1802 would update the Professional Nursing Law to address advancements in nutrition care.

“The Professional Nursing Law was last updated in 2002. The work being done today by licensed dietitian nutritionists uses new, scientifically-proven methods and technology. We need the law to be made current to reflect that,” Mehaffie said.

The bill would expand title protection to help patients know they are interacting with qualified nutritionists. It would mean that not just anyone could call himself or herself a nutritionist.

House Bill 1802 would create an exemption for licensed health care practitioners with nutrition as part of their statutory scope of practice. Those not eligible for licensure would be able to continue to give general, non-medical nutrition advice.

The legislation also would make it easier for qualified military members and their spouses to transfer their licenses to Pennsylvania.

Representative Thomas Mehaffie
106th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717.260.6335
jfitch@pahousegop.com 
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