Montana has a very restrictive law. It only licenses dietitians, and places restrictions on who may use the term nutritionist to only those with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s or doctorate in Dietetics, Food and Nutrition, or Public Health Nutrition.
Exemptions for the practice of nutrition are quite narrow. Section 37-25-304 Exemptions from licensure requirements states that the law does not restrict:
(6) a person from furnishing general nutritional information, including dissemination of literature, as to the use of food, food materials, or dietary supplements or from engaging in the explanation as to the use of foods or food products, including dietary supplements, in connection with the marketing and distribution of those products if the person does not represent to the public that the person is a nutritionist;
(7) a person from furnishing general nutrition information or disseminating literature if the person does not represent to the public that the person is a dietitian or a nutritionist; or
The law further restricts the title of nutritionist: Section 37-25-305 states that “A person may not represent to the public by any title, sign, or advertisement or description of services that the person is a nutritionist or a licensed nutritionist unless the person has been licensed..”
As a holistic practitioner this should be interpreted as only allowing the providing of general nutrition, wellness, and lifestyle information and literature, staying hands-off, and not individualizing anything to a particular person.
Council of Holistic Health Educators
Protecting Your Rights