This bill updates current statutes regarding the licensing and practice of nutritionists in Arizona by replacing the term "registered dietitian" with "licensed dietitian nutritionist" throughout the statutes, thereby aligning terminology with contemporary professional standards. It introduces new definitions such as "medical nutrition therapy," "qualified nutrition professional," and "standing ordering privileges," which expand the scope of practice for licensed nutritionists. The bill also allows licensed dietitian nutritionists to issue orders for nutrition-related services under specific hospital policies, enhancing their role in patient care.

Additionally, the bill amends the licensing process by requiring applicants to complete a master's or doctoral degree in nutrition or a related field, along with a supervised practice experience of at least one thousand hours. It sets criteria for applicants, including a clean licensing history for the past two years and passing a relevant certification examination. The bill also outlines the qualifications for supervisors of the supervised practice experience, establishes grounds for license denial or revocation, and includes provisions for military members regarding license renewal while on active duty. Overall, these updates aim to improve the regulatory framework for nutritionists and enhance public health outcomes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-1901, 36-414, 36-416, 36-416.01, 36-3601, 13-3401, 32-1965, 32-1967, 32-1923, 32-1970, 32-1974, 36-2151, 32-1962, 32-1964, 36-422, 30-654, 32-1308, 32-1368, 32-2805, 36-405, 36-765.05, 36-766.06, 36-851.01, 36-882, 36-897.01, 36-1903, 36-2063, 36-4203, 35-190, 36-4201, 12-2801