The bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by establishing the Dietitian Licensure Compact, which allows dietitians to practice across member states without needing multiple licenses, thereby reducing administrative burdens and enhancing access to dietetic services. It introduces a new section, 30-35-7a, requiring applicants for the compact to undergo state and national criminal history record checks, including fingerprint submission, with results kept confidential. Applicants are responsible for the costs of these checks and must complete them promptly. The bill also outlines the requirements for state participation in the compact, including the need for states to license and regulate dietetics and mechanisms for investigating complaints.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Dietitian Licensure Compact Commission to oversee the compact's implementation and enforcement, including the authority to take adverse actions against licensees and conduct joint investigations. It introduces provisions for qualified immunity and indemnification for commission members and employees, as well as a coordinated data system for tracking licensure and adverse actions. The commission is granted rulemaking authority and can hold special meetings for emergency business. The bill also details procedures for dispute resolution and enforcement actions against defaulting states, allowing for legal intervention and specifying obligations that continue post-withdrawal from the compact. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the licensure process for dietitians while maintaining regulatory standards and legal protections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-35A-1, 30-35A-2, 30-35A-3, 30-35A-4, 30-35A-5, 30-35A-6, 30-35A-7, 30-35A-8, 30-35A-9, 30-35A-10, 30-35A-11, 30-35A-12, 30-35A-13, 30-35A-14
Committee Substitute: 30-35-7a, 30-35A-1, 30-35A-2, 30-35A-3, 30-35A-4, 30-35A-5, 30-35A-6, 30-35A-7, 30-35A-8, 30-35A-9, 30-35A-10, 30-35A-11, 30-35A-12, 30-35A-13, 30-35A-14
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 30-35-7a, 30-35A-1, 30-35A-2, 30-35A-3, 30-35A-4, 30-35A-5, 30-35A-6, 30-35A-7, 30-35A-8, 30-35A-9, 30-35A-10, 30-35A-11, 30-35A-12, 30-35A-13, 30-35A-14