Idaho law provides for the licensure of dietitians, but it contains broad exemptions which allow for anyone to provide for nutrition care, so long as they do not give the impression that they will diagnose or treat a medical condition.
§54-3503 states that it is unlawful for any person to assume or use the title or designation of “dietitian,” “certified dietitian,” “registered dietitian,” or any other combination of terms that include the title “dietitian,” unless such person has been issued a license. Additionally, §54-3503 also goes on to state that:
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prohibit the use of the term “nutrition” or “diet” as a descriptive term in connection with a person’s occupation or employment. “
Idaho has a generous exemption law. In section 54-3512 the law states that it “shall not be construed to prevent any person from …..rendering advice, guidance or counsel regarding medical nutrition service, therapeutic nutrition care, nutritional assessments, nutrition therapy counseling, weight control services, or from providing nutrition information in connection with the marketing and distribution of a food product, dietary supplement, or wellness/exercise program.”
Additionally, Idaho’s safe harbor law states in section 39-9003 that:
(2) It is hereby declared that the public policy of the state of Idaho, consistent with our constitutionally recognized and inalienable rights of liberty, is that every person within the state of Idaho is and shall be free to choose or decline to choose any mode of securing health care services without penalty or threat of penalty by the federal government of the United States of America.
(3) The policy stated herein shall not be applied to impair any right of contract related to the provision of health care services to any person or group.
Source: Title 54, Chapter 35, of the Idaho Code (Section 54-3512 is the exemption.)