There are currently 45 states that require licensure or certification of dietitians and nutritionists that are registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). New Jersey is only one of the five remaining states that does not have licensing or title protection for dietitians. This important legislature would help to ensure the safety of the public when receiving nutrition counseling from those who are not qualified to do so.

A registered dietitian (R.D.) indicates that a person has completed at least a four-year degree in dietetics or nutrition, has completed a 900-hour supervised practice internship in the areas of clinical, community, and management, and has passed a national credentialing exam. Registered dietitians are food and nutrition professionals who provide medical nutrition therapy for individuals with heart disease, obesity, diabetes, eating disorders, gastrointestinal disorders and other additional medical diagnoses that are affected by a person’s diet regimen.

Professionals not recognized by the American Dietetic Association and the CDR are without formal nutrition education by an accredited academic program and are likely to dispense information that is opinion-based and not factual. R.D.’s provide information that is based upon extensive scientific research and collaboration with the medical community and profession.

Is the health and improved nutrition status of the public considered to be "unwanted and unnecessary"? I hardly think so.

Please support this bill and help nutrition professionals attain the recognition, title and respect that they work hard for and deserve.