STATE LICENSURE
- Requests that exam results be sent to a state board must be in writing and emailed to cdrexams@eatright.org.
- Please note - The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and state licensure boards are separate entities. Questions related to licensure must be directed to the practitioners' specific state licensure board or state agency.
- For information related to Telehealth, please review the information found at www.cdrnet.org/telehealth.
Terminology
Practice Exclusivity: a license is required either to provide MNT or to practice dietetics, subject to any exemptions, as explained below.
Licensure of Title Only or Certification of RDs or RDNs: the state only licenses the title "licensed dietitian" (or a similar title) or provides an optional certification which may facilitate reimbursement or employment in certain facilities. In these states, a Board exists to implement the law, but no license is required to practice MNT or dietetics.
Title Protection Without Formal State Regulation: the state restricts use of the title to certain credentialed professionals, but no Board exists, and no license is required to use the title or to practice any aspect of dietetics.
Notes for Exceptions
Licensure (or certification) by endorsement: an accelerated pathway to licensure based on current, valid registration as an RD or RDN with CDR. This could reduce the burden of paperwork when applying. However, completing the application, paying the fee and obtaining a license are still required to practice. If offered by the state, this is likely to be the easiest process to obtain a license.
Licensure (or certification) by reciprocity: an accelerated pathway to licensure based on current, valid licensure in another state (or DC). This could reduce the burden of paperwork when applying. However, completing the application, paying the fee and obtaining a license are still required to practice.
Combined endorsement-reciprocity: an accelerated pathway to licensure based on both current, valid CDR registration as an RD or RDN AND current, valid licensure in another state (or DC).
Licensure waivers: exempt the professional from licensure requirements, generally for a limited period.
SSS (substantially similar state): a state with substantially similar/equivalent education, experience and exam requirements as the subject state; this stipulation applies in most reciprocity and waiver provisions.
Temporary or provisional licenses: generally grant the right to practice without supervision based on completion of education and/or experience requirements (but not the exam) for a limited period, allowing additional opportunities to successfully complete the exam.
Updated November 2022
Licensure Statutes And Board Info by State
Alabama
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian/nutritionist, dietitian, dietician, registered dietitian, registered dietician, nutritionist, D, RD, LD, LN
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 34-34A-7
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 34-34A-11
- Temporary 1-yr license: Statute Section 34-34A-9
Alaska
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: dietitian, licensed dietitian, nutritionist, licensed nutritionist, or an occupational title using the word dietitian or nutritionist
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 08.38.020
- Licensure by reciprocity (also applies to Canadian provinces: Statute Section 08.38.050)
Arizona
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: N/A
- Board/Agency Website: N/A
- Statute: N/A
- Regulation: N/A
Exceptions
- N/A
Arkansas
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian, licensed dietitian
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 5(5)
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 12
- Licensure waived for non-resident if practice limited to 180 consecutive days and 1) licensed in SSS, or 2) otherwise met requirements: Statute Section 4 (g)
California
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: dietitian, dietician, registered dietitian, registered dietician, registered dietitian nutritionist, RD, RDN
- Board/Agency Website: N/A
- Statute
- Regulation: N/A
Exceptions
- N/A
Colorado
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: dietitian, dietician, certified dietitian, certified dietician, CD, D
- Board/Agency Website - N/A
- Statute
- Regulation: N/A
Exceptions
- N/A
Connecticut
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: Connecticut certified dietitian-nutritionist, Connecticut certified dietitian, Connecticut certified nutritionist, CD-N, CD, CN
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation: N/A
Exceptions
- Certification by endorsement: Statute Section 20-206n
- Certification by reciprocity: Statute Section 20-206o
Delaware
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: licensed dietitian, Licensed nutritionist, nutritionist, dietitian, LDN
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 3806 (b)
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 3807
District of Columbia
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian/nutritionist, licensed dietitian, licensed nutritionist, dietitian, nutritionist, LDN, LD, LN
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement and licensure by reciprocity (reciprocity only if other state accepts DC licenses; Statute Section 3–1205.07
- Licensure waived if not seeing patients in the office of a DC licensee and 1) practicing for a "limited period" and in affiliation with licensee; or 2) authorized to practice in an adjoining state, does not have a DC office, is "registered" with the board, pays the fee, and the licensing state allows DC residents to practice: Statute Section 3–1205.02
- Temporary license available, but requirements not evident: Statute Section 3-1205.08
Florida
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian, licensed dietitian, nutritionist, licensed nutritionist, nutrition counselor, licensed nutrition counselor
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement and licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 468.513
- Non-residents providing services via telehealth are required to obtain telehealth registration instead of the usual dietetics license
Georgia
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian, LD, licensed dietitian
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement and licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 43-11A-8
- Licensure waived if 1) practice limited to five days max or 2) up to 30 days per year if licensed in SSS: Statute Section 43-11A-18(4)
Hawaii
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: licensed dietitian, LD
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Regs Section 11-79-11(b)
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 448B-6
Idaho
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: dietitian, licensed dietitian (LD), registered dietitian (RD), registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), or any other combination of terms that include the title dietitian
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by combined endorsement-reciprocity: Statute Section 54-3508
Illinois
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: licensed dietitian nutritionist
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 45(b)
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 75
- Licensure waived for six months if 1) licensed in another state, and has applied in writing to the Department; or 2) a CNS, CCN, DACBN, or RDN who has applied in writing to the Department: Statute Section 15(b)
Indiana
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: licensed dietitian, LD
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 25-14.5-4-4
Iowa
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: licensed dietitian, dietitian
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure waived if licensed in another state and only “consulting:” Statute Section 152A.3
- License by combined endorsement-reciprocity: Regs Section 645—81.7
Kansas
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian, licensed dietitian, LD
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 65-5910
- Temporary license for 6 months: Statute Section 65-5907
Kentucky
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian, nutritionist, licensed dietitian, certified nutritionist, LD, CN
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by Endorsement: Regulations Section 201 KAR 33:015(1)(5)
Louisiana
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian, dietician, nutritionist
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Regs Section 103(A5)
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 3088(F)
- Licensure waived for nonresident if practice limited to 1) five days max, or 2) up to 30 days/year if licensed in SSS: Statute Section 3093(A6)
Maine
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Regs 02-344, Chap. 2(2)(C)(4)(c)
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 9912
- Temporary license for one year: Regs 02-344, Chap. 2(2)(D)(1)
Maryland
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: licensed dietitian-nutritionist, dietitian-nutritionist, LDN, dietitian, licensed dietitian, D, LD, nutritionist, licensed nutritionist, LN
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Enter 10.56.01.01 in the search box. For subsequent entries, change the last two digits to ".02," ".03," etc.
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 5–305(a)(2)
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 5–305(a)(1)
Massachusetts
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: licensed dietitian/nutritionist
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by combined endorsement-reciprocity: Statute Section 208
Michigan
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: N/A
- Board/Agency Website: N/A
- Statute: N/A
- Regulation: N/A
Exceptions
- N/A
Minnesota
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian, licensed dietitian, nutritionist, licensed nutritionist, or any occupational title using the word "dietitian" or "nutritionist;" except that any RDN can use the title and RD
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 148.624(1)(2)
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 148.628
Mississippi
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian, licensed dietitian
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 5(5)
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 12
- Licensure waived for non-resident if practice limited to 180 consecutive days and 1) licensed in SSS, or 2) otherwise met requirements: Statute Section 4 (g)
Missouri
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian, LD
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 324.210(3)
- Licensure by reciprocity for other countries ONLY: Statute Section 324.215(2)
Montana
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: nutritionist, licensed nutritionist
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 37-25-302
- Licensure by Reciprocity: Statute Section 37-1-304
Nebraska
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: Protection of medical nutrition therapist implied, but not directly stated
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 38-1813(1)
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 38-1814
- Licensure waived if licensed in another state and consulting with physicians only: Statute Section 38-1812(4)
Nevada
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: LD, licensed dietitian or use the word dietetics to represent qualified to practice
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Regs Section 640E.130
- Board may waive education, experience and/or exam requirements if substantially similar requirements met: Statute Section 640E.210
- Temporary licensure by reciprocity if practice limited to 10 days: Statute Section 640E.190
New Hampshire
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: licensed dietitian, dietitian
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 326-H:13
New Jersey
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes (law passed January 13, 2020, but enforcement of requirement to have a license to practice (scheduled to start January 13, 2021) has been delayed until Board formally approved and regulations adopted; all other provisions are in effect).
- Titles Protected: dietitian nutritionist, nutritionist, dietitian, dietician, nutrition counselor, nutrition specialist, LDN, LD, LN, nutritional therapy practitioner, nutritional therapy consultant, certified nutrition therapy practitioner, master nutrition therapist, licensed dietitian nutritionist, licensed nutritionist or any other designation or title indicating qualification to provide medical nutrition therapy
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute: Enter '45:16B-1' in the search box at the top left. The desired link should be in the first few search results. To see additional parts of the statute, click 'Next Doc' directly above the main display window.
- Regulation: N/A
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: State Statute 45:16B-9 (Enter '45:16B-9' in the search box at the top left. The desired link should be in the first few search results)
- Licensure by reciprocity: State Statute 45:16B-11 (Enter '45:16B-11' in the search box at the top left. The desired link should be in the first few search results.)
New Mexico
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian, nutritionist
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Regs Section 16.14.3.8(A)(1)
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 61-7A-8
- Provisional (temporary) permit for six months: Regs Section 16.14.4
New York
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: certified dietitian, certified dietician, certified nutritionist
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Certification, but no exceptions
North Carolina
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian/nutritionist, dietitian, nutritionist, licensed dietitian/nutritionist, LD, LN, LDN
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement
(Statute Section 90-357.5(2)) - Licensure by reciprocity
(Statute Section 90-360)
North Dakota
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian, registered dietitian, licensed dietitian, licensed registered dietitian, RD, LD, LRD, LN licensed nutritionist
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Regs Section 20.5-02-01-01(1)
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 43-44-13
- Licensure waived if practice limited to 10 days/year and met licensure requirements: Statute Section 43-44-10
- Limited (temporary) permit for one year: Statute Section 43-44-12
Ohio
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 4759.06(B)
- Limited (temporary) permit for seven months: Statute Section 4759.06(E), Regs Section 4759-4-08
Oklahoma
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: licensed dietitian, LD; registered dietitian, RD unless CDR reg.
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 1735
- Licensure by reciprocity if reciprocity agreement with that state: Statute Section 1735
Oregon
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: licensed dietitian, LD
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement and licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 691.445
Pennsylvania
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: licensed dietitian-nutritionist, LDN
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by Endorsement: Statute Section 63 (215)(e)
- Licensure by Reciprocity: Statute Section 217(a)
Rhode Island
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian/nutritionist, LDN
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 5-64-14
South Carolina
- Titles Protected: dietitian, licensed dietitian, LD
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Statute with exclusivity clause
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 40-20-60
- Licensure by reciprocity: Regs Section 40-5.3
- Licensure waived if practice limited to 1) five days, or 2) up to thirty days a year if licensed in SSS: Statute Section 40-20-110(6)
South Dakota
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: nutritionist, dietitian, licensed nutritionist, LN; except that any RDN can use the title and RD
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 36-10B-11
- Temporary permit for 1 year: Statute Section 36-10B-10
Tennessee
- Practice Exclusivity: Yes
- Titles Protected: dietitian/nutritionist, licensed dietitian, licensed nutritionist, LD, LN
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement and licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 63-25-109(a)
Texas
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: licensed dietitian, LD, registered dietitian, RD; except that any RDN can use the title and RD
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement: Statute Section 701.253(f)
Utah
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: dietitian, dietician, certified dietitian, CD
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Certification by endorsement and certification by reciprocity: Statute Section 58-49-6
Vermont
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: any words that imply holder is a certified dietitian
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Certification by endorsement: Statute Section 3385(2)(a)
Virginia
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: dietitian, nutritionist, alone or in any combination with licensed, certified, or registered
- Board/Agency Website: N/A
- Statute
- Regulation: N/A
Exceptions
- N/A
Washington
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: certified dietitian, certified dietician, certified nutritionist, D, CD, or CN
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Certification by endorsement: Regs Section 246-822-120(1)
- Certification by reciprocity: Statute Section 18.138.050
West Virginia
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: dietician, licensed dietician, dietitian, licensed dietitian
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement and licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 30-35-7(d)
Wisconsin
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: dietitian, certified dietitian, registered dietitian, any representation that person is certified or licensed as a dietitian
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Certification by reciprocity: Statute Section 448.82
- Temporary certificate for 9 months: Statute Section 448.80
Wyoming
- Practice Exclusivity: No
- Titles Protected: licensed dietitian, LD
- Board/Agency Website
- Statute
- Regulation
Exceptions
- Licensure by endorsement if resident of a non-licensing state: Statute Section 33-47-108
- Licensure by reciprocity: Statute Section 33-47-108
- Licensure waived if practice limited to 20 days max and either 1) licensed in SSS or 2) if home state is non-licensing, registered with CDR: Statute Section 33-47-103(a)(viii)
- Temporary permit issued for six months if practiced or licensed in another state in the last 12 months: Statute Section 33-47-106(d)
Disclaimer: This list is an interpretation of state statutes and regulations. It does not nor is it intended to constitute legal advice or career advice. All information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only and may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. The ultimate authority to interpret each state's requirements is the licensing board or agency of that state. This website contains links to third-party websites for the convenience of the reader, user or browser; the Commission on Dietetic Registration does not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites, nor does the information on third-party sites constitute a legally binding interpretation of state policy.