This law provides for the licensure of dietitians, and limits the practice of nutrition to only those who hold a license. Under this law, you cannot advertise or be perceived as “assessing nutritional needs of individuals and groups” etc. You also may not do or say anything that would give the impression that you are licensed, registered, or call yourself a nutritionist or dietitian.
If you are employed by certain programs or businesses as an educator, 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
- Programs helping to prevent disease and maintain good nutritional health
- Elementary or secondary school
- Accredited degree-granting educational institution
However you are not restricted from providing services and information related to non-medical nutrition if you are:
- Employed by or operating a health, weight loss, or fitness program
- Employed by or operating a health food store
- Employed by or operating a business that sells health products, dietary supplements, or nutritional literature or provides nonmedical nutrition information
- Conducting classes or providing information related to nonmedical nutrition
- Employed in a hospital or nursing home and subject to licensure by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities
If you are enrolled in an approved program in dietetics, you can practice dietetic and nutrition services if the services constitute a part of the supervised course of study. If you do partake in practices, you must be designated by a “student” or “trainee” title.
Furthermore, if you are a dietician serving in the Armed Forces, the Public Health Service of the United States, or the Veteran Affairs, you can provide such practice if it is related to service or employment.