This law provides for the licensure of dietitians, and only someone who is licensed may provide nutrition care.
Under this law you cannot advertise or be perceived as “assessing nutritional needs of individuals and groups” etc. You also cannot do or say anything that would give the impression that you are licensed, registered, or call yourself a nutritionist or dietitian.
You can market or distribute food, food materials, or dietary supplements and further explain how to use or to prepare those products.
You may provide a general program for weight control without a license if it is reviewed by, consultation is available from, and no change to the program can be initiated without approval of a licensed or registered dietitian.
You can practice nutrition with the supervision of a licensed dietitian or licensed nutrition. This includes:
- Anyone pursuing a degree in dietetics, provided that person holds a title indicating status as a student or trainee
- Anyone fulfilling the professional experience requirements needed to obtain licensure, provided that person holds a title indicating status as a student or trainee
If you are employed by certain programs or businesses, you are not restricted from providing services and information related to non-medical nutrition. This includes if you are a nutritional educator employed by a:
- Federal, state, county or municipal agency
- Another political subdivision
- Elementary or secondary school
- Accredited institution of higher education
- Nonprofit organization approved by the board
If you are practicing dietetics or providing nutrition services as a duty of serving in the armed forces, you are exempt from licensure requirements.
If you are licensed in a separate medical profession, you can engage in the practice of dietetics if you do not call yourself a “dietitian.” This includes dentistry, medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, nursing, or pharmacy.
If you are a home economist with a baccalaureate or graduate degree, you can practice dietetics.
Source: North Dakota Statutes 43-44-01