Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

How does licensure impact my Registered Dietitian (R.D.) title?

Answer:

The R.D. or Registered Dietitian is a trademark of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is not completely restricted by the North Carolina law. Those who are registered may continue to use the title R.D. but they may not practice dietetics/nutrition as defined in the law, unless they are licensed or otherwise exempt.

What nutrition care services can unlicensed assistive personnel such as dietary managers or dietetic technicians registered provide? I've seen academic and online programs advertising "certified nutritionist" degrees. What can I do with this? What areas of nutrition and dietetics require licensure? Who can become licensed as a dietitian? What titles are restricted by the law? How does licensure impact my Registered Dietitian (R.D.) title? What are the penalties for violations of the law? What other states require a license to practice dietetics/nutrition? How often am I required to renew my license? What can happen if I forget to renew my license? Do I need to renew my license if I am currently unemployed? What should I do if my licensure card is lost or stolen? What documentation of continuing education is required to maintain a license? Who is eligible for a provisional license? What are the requirements for supervision of persons claiming exemption from licensure such as dietetic technicians registered or certified dietary managers? Who is exempt from licensure and regulation by the North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition What nutrition care services can the dietetic student or student dietetic technician provide? What can an unlicensed person, who is not otherwise exempt, do in the field of dietetics/nutrition? Is it within the scope of practice for NC LDNs to write diet orders? What do I need to do if I get married or divorced and my name changes? Is my license valid for one year from when I first apply and get licensed?