HCS HB 955 -- DIETITIANS

SPONSOR:  Behnen (Portwood)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of 14 to 0.

This substitute modifies certain provisions relating to the
licensing of dietitians.  The substitute:

(1)  Establishes the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics
Education of the American Dietetic Association as the accrediting
body for persons wishing to become licensed dietitians in this
state;

(2)  Creates definitions for "dietetic practice," "dietitian,"
"licensed dietitian," "medical nutrition therapy," and
"registered dietitian";

(3)  Places the State Committee of Dietitians within the Division
of Professional Registration;

(4)  Authorizes the committee to assist the division in carrying
out the provisions of the Dietitians Practice Act;

(5)  Requires the committee to approve the licensing examination;

(6)  Prohibits persons from using the title or holding themselves
out as licensed dietitians unless duly licensed by the committee;

(7)  Exempts from licensure certain persons that do not hold
themselves out as being licensed dietitians; and

(8)  Contains provisions regarding lapsed and inactive licenses.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on General Revenue Fund.  Estimated Net
Income on Other State Funds of $86,850 in FY 2005, $2,606 in FY
2006, and $92,100 in FY 2007.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill defines the term
"dietitian."  Currently, anyone can call themselve a dietitian.
The bill will protect licensed dietitians and make them eligible
for Medicare reimbursement.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Portwood; Missouri
Dietetic Association; and Ginger Meyer.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Bob Dominique, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:14 am