Summary:

Alabama licenses licensed dietitian/nutritionists under an exclusive scope of practice model. An individual must complete requirements aligned with the Registered Dietitian pathway in order to qualify for licensure. Only a licensed dietitian/nutritionist can provide nutrition care. This law does not apply to to any licensed health professional who provides nutrition counseling incidental to their primary practice, but they may not market any nutrition services. Only licensed individuals may use the titles "dietitian," "nutritionist," "dietitian/nutritionist," "Licensed Dietitian," "Licensed Nutritionist, "L.D.," and "L.N."

Click the buttons below to read the state statute and rules, or to navigate to the state regulatory entity's website.

Practice Act/Statute Rules & Regulations Regulatory Body

Qualification Requirements for State Licensure or State Certification:

• Academic: Bachelor's or higher degree, and a major course of study in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics, food systems management, or a master's or doctoral degree in a related field. All degrees must be from a regionally accredited instituion of higher learning.
• Experience: Completion of a planned, continuous preprofessional experience in dietetics/nutrition practices of at least 900 hours under the supervision of a registered dietitian or a practitioner licensed under the conditions of the law.
• Examination:The Registered Dietitian (RD) examination established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)

Disclaimer: This is a preliminary interpretation of language of state statutes and regulations, and cannot substitute for legal counsel.