House Bill 2029 seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning the regulation of dietetics and nutrition by updating the designation of the "Board of dietitian and nutritionist examiners" and introducing the "Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Act" as the new title for the chapter. The bill emphasizes the need for clear qualifications for individuals providing dietetic services, particularly for vulnerable populations, and mandates that only licensed dietitians and nutritionists can perform medical nutrition therapy. It also establishes that misrepresentation as a licensed professional is prohibited, with violations classified as Class A misdemeanors, thereby reinforcing regulatory compliance in the field.

The bill further details the qualifications for licensure as a nutritionist and dietitian, requiring a master's or doctoral degree, a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice, and the passing of a certification examination. It allows for waivers of certain requirements for applicants with current licensure from other states and provides for temporary permits while awaiting full licensure. Additionally, the bill creates a Board of Dietitian and Nutritionist Examiners, which will oversee the administration of the chapter, including setting fees and reviewing licensure applications. Disciplinary actions for licensees are also outlined, with provisions for retaining licensure status for those who were licensed or applied before July 1, 2026, as long as they remain in good standing. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with some provisions effective immediately for rule promulgation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-29-249(a)(7), 4-29-249