- Who can legally practice dietetics/nutrition in North Carolina?
Anyone who holds a valid license from the North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition can legally practice in North Carolina. Additionally, those who are exempt from the Dietetics Practice Act (NCGS 90-368) can also legally practice. This includes anyone licensed as a health care practitioner under NCGS 90, such as doctors, nurses, dentists, dental hygienists, psychologists, chiropractors, pharmacists, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, physician assistants, crematory operators, funeral home directors, massage therapists, and industrial hygienists. Besides licensed healthcare practitioners, federal, state and local government employees, herbalists, weight control service providers, those serving in the armed forces, and employees of licensed hospitals are also exempt from the Dietetics Practice Act.
- Why are so many unqualified professionals allowed to practice dietetics/nutrition and can this be changed?
When the law was enacted in 1991, exemptions had to be made in order to get passage. Now the legislative climate may be more conducive to making changes in the law. Strengthening the scope of practice and reducing the exemptions will require a dedicated volunteer effort from every licensed dietitian/nutritionist in North Carolina. The members of the North Carolina Dietetic Association would be the leading force in making changes in the law.
- Are persons that move to North Carolina and are licensed in other states eligible for licensure here?
Persons that are licensed in other states may be eligible for reciprocity in North Carolina. Registered Dietitians from other states are eligible for licensure in North Carolina. Persons who are not Registered Dietitians, but are licensed in other states are eligible only if the state has licensure requirements equal to those in North Carolina. This means that the prospective licensee has completed the required coursework, a supervised practice program and passed an exam in the state where they are currently licensed. Persons lacking one or more of these requirements are not eligible for licensure in North Carolina.
- Are Dietetic Technicians, Registered allowed to practice in North Carolina?
Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTRs) are allowed to practice in North Carolina under the supervision of a licensed dietitian/nutritionist. According to the North Carolina Administrative Code, "supervision" means that a licensed dietitian/nutritionist shall be available for consultation on delegated nutrition care activities being performed by the DTR. Additionally the licensed dietitian/nutritionist shall directly examine, evaluate, and approve the acts or functions of the DTR.
- I have just graduated from college, accepted a job in dietetics, and do not plan to take the CDR exam for at least two months. Do I need a license to practice?
If you plan to work in a position that is not exempt from the Dietetics Practice Act, you must be licensed. You may apply for and receive a provisional license. After you pass the CDR exam and pay the difference between a provisional license and a regular license, you will be issued a new licensure certificate and card.
- Can unlicensed persons working under the supervision of a licensed physician or nurse practice dietetics/nutrition?
Unlicensed persons practicing dietetics/nutrition must be supervised by a licensed dietitian/nutritionist. Persons who are licensed health care professionals under North Carolina General Statute 90 may provide nutrition care services, but may not supervise unlicensed persons providing these services.
- Can a person become licensed to practice dietetics/nutrition in North Carolina without being a Registered Dietitian?
If a person meets the academic qualifications required by the NCBDN, successfully completes 900 hours of supervised practice, and passes an exam administered by the Board, they may become licensed without being a Registered Dietitian. The Board’s supervised practice program and exam are the same as those required and given by CDR.
- If I have elected to utilize the new Retired Registered Dietitian status offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, will I be able to renew my license in North Carolina?
Over the past several years the CDR has received numerous inquiries from current and former RDs requesting that CDR establish a Retired Registered status. These individuals felt that the RD credential was very important to them. However, they were no longer practicing dietetics and did not wish to complete recertification requirements. Those electing the Retired Registered status are not required to have CPE hours and CDR does not monitor any hours obtained. According to CDR, they are not allowed to participate in either paid or unpaid dietetics practice. Therefore, those electing the Retired Registered status are not eligible for licensure in North Carolina.
- What are the differences between the North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition and the North Carolina Dietetic Association?
The North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition (NCBDN) is a regulatory state agency. Its members are appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Members serve a three year term. The responsibility of the NCBDN is to protect the citizens of North Carolina from harmful nutrition practice by providing for the licensure of qualified professionals. The goal of the North Carolina Dietetic Association (NCDA) is to promote optimal nutrition and well being for the public by supporting the profession and empowering its members. Most NCDA Board members are elected to one year terms. The NCDA is able to lobby for changes in laws that impact the profession.
- What titles are restricted by the law?
The law restricts the use of the title "dietitian", "nutritionist", and "licensed dietitian/nutritionist". Additionally, only licensed dietitian/nutritionists can use letters "LD", "LN", or "LDN". Unless licensed, to imply orally or in writing that one is a licensed dietitian/nutritionist is a violation of the law.
- What are the penalties for violations of the law?
It is a Class 1 misdemeanor to violate the Dietetics Practice Act. A conviction can result in fines, imprisonment, or both and is at the discretion of the court. The Board has the right to seek an injunction to stop the activities of a person who is practicing dietetics illegally under the Dietetics Practice Act. The Board can also refuse to issue a license, or suspend or revoke a license of a person found in violation of the law and/or rules.
- How do I make a complaint if I think that someone is violating the Dietetics Practice Act?
Complaints must be made in writing by completing a complaint form. A complaint form can be obtained by contacting the NCBDN office or by downloading one from this website. To aid in the investigation, please provide as much information as possible. Please keep a copy of all information provided to the Board.
- What can happen if I forget to renew my license?
The Board makes every effort to provide reminders for renewing licenses and realizes that forgetting to renew can occasionally happen. However, all licenses expire on March 31 of each year, and a valid license is mandatory for practicing dietetics in North Carolina. Practicing dietetics without a license is a violation of the law and subject to the penalties listed in #1l. Individuals failing to renew by March 31 are allowed to renew by paying a late fee until May 31. After May 31, a license is considered lapsed and must be reinstated. Applications will not be processed until all required fees are paid.
- As a licensed dietitian, am I allowed to write orders for my clients/patients?
The Dietetics Practice Act does not include writing orders as part of the scope of practice for licensed dietitians/nutritionists. The decision to allow LDNs to write orders is made by the health care facility. There are several factors that a health care facility must consider when addressing this issue. The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy and the North Carolina Medical Board may need to be consulted as to their opinion on LDNs writing orders. The facility may need to also consult with their liability insurance carrier for their opinion as well. Finally, even though the Dietetics Practice Act does not specifically cover writing orders, complaints may be filed citing violations of the code of ethics (NCAC Title 21, Chapter 17, .0114).
North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition
1500 Sunday Drive, Suite 102 · Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: (919)861-5580 · Toll Free: (800)849-2936 · Fax: (919)787-4916