Frequently Asked Questions

North Carolina’s Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act is both a title protection and scope of practice protection statute.  The Act originally became effective on March 31, 1992.  The NC Dietetics/ Nutrition Practice Act was significantly amended by Session Law 2018-91, which became effective July 1, 2018.  With the amendments SL 2018-91 brought, unless otherwise exempt, a license is required to provide medical nutrition therapy. Under N.C. General Statute § 90-352(3a) medical nutrition therapy is defined as the provision of nutrition care services for the purpose of managing or treating a medical condition.  Under N.C. General Statute § 90-352(4), nutrition care services are defined as:

1. Assessing and evaluating the nutritional needs of individuals and groups, and determining resources and constraints in the practice setting, including ordering laboratory tests related to the practice of nutrition and dietetics.
2. Establishing priorities, goals, and objectives that meet nutritional needs and are consistent with available resources and constraints.
3. Providing nutrition counseling in health and disease.
4. Developing, implementing, and managing nutrition care systems.
5. Evaluating, making changes in, and maintaining appropriate standards of quality in food and nutrition services.
6. Ordering therapeutic diets.

Nutrition care services do not include the retail sale of food products or vitamins.

Thus, if one is providing the above outlined nutrition care services for the purpose of managing or treating a medical condition, unless otherwise exempt, a license is required.

Note, the Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act sets minimum standards. Agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. are free to add additional requirements to job descriptions and requirements.  For example, such entities may require that one have a specific credential in addition to licensure, defined experience, or length of experience.

Regarding title-use, under N.C.G.S. § 90-365a license is required in North Carolina to:

• Use the title “dietitian/nutritionist” or “nutritionist.”
• Use the words “dietitian,” “nutritionist,” “licensed nutritionist,” or “licensed dietitian/nutritionist” or hold oneself out as a dietitian or nutritionist.
• Use the letters “LD,” “LN,” or “LDN,” or any facsimile or combination in any words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia.
• To imply orally or in writing or indicate in any way that the person is a licensed dietitian/nutritionist or licensed nutritionist.

With the above noted, under N.C.G.S. § 90-365(b), the following is provided:

Use of an earned, trademarked nutrition credential is not prohibited, but such use does not give the right to practice dietetics or nutrition or use the general titles of “dietitian/nutritionist” or “nutritionist” unless an individual is also licensed under this Article. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, all of the following are permissible:

1. An individual registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration has the right to use the title”Registered Dietitian” and “Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist” and the designation “RD” or “RDN.”
2. An individual certified by the Board of Certification of Nutrition Specialists has the right to use the title “Certified Nutrition Specialist” and the designation “CNS.”
3. An individual certified by the American Clinical Board of Nutrition has the right to use the title “Diplomate, American Clinical Board of Nutrition” and use the designation “DACBN.”

The NCBDN has developed this guideline for unlicensed persons, who are not otherwise exempt, to better understand the Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act. This guideline is intended to assist unlicensed persons, who are not otherwise exempt, maintain compliance with North Carolina’s dietetic/nutrition licensure laws.

Click here to learn more about Guideline A.

Unlicensed persons aiding the practice of dietetics/nutrition should follow the guidance provided in 21 NCAC 17.0401.

For further guidance on levels of supervision, please refer to the NCBDN’s Guideline C.

The NCBDN has developed this guideline for unlicensed persons, who are not otherwise exempt, to better understand the Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act. This guideline is intended to assist unlicensed persons, who are not otherwise exempt, maintain compliance with North Carolina’s dietetic/nutrition licensure laws.

Click here to learn more about Guideline A.

Review our Types of Licensure page, or review the law below:

The requirements for licensure as a dietitian/nutritionist, as set forth in the Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act under N.C. General Statute § 90-357.5, are as follows:

(a) Each applicant for a license as a licensed dietitian/nutritionist shall submit a completed application as required by the Board, submit any fees as required by the Board, and meet one of the following criteria:

(1) The applicant shall submit proof of completion for the following educational, supervised practice experience and examination requirements:

a. The applicant has received a baccalaureate degree, master’s, or doctoral degree or validated foreign equivalent with a major in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics, food systems management, community nutrition, public health nutrition, nutrition education, nutrition, nutrition science, clinical nutrition, applied clinical nutrition, nutrition counseling, nutrition and functional medicine, nutritional biochemistry, nutrition and integrative health, or an equivalent course of study, from a college or university accredited at the time of graduation from the appropriate regional accrediting agency recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation and the United States Department of Education and that, as approved by the Board, meets the competency requirements of an ACEND accredited didactic program in dietetics that shall, at a minimum, include the following courses:

1. Fifteen semester hours of clinical or life sciences. These hours must include human anatomy and physiology or the equivalent, microbiology or the equivalent, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.

2. Three semester hours of behavioral sciences, such as psychology, sociology, cultural anthropology, counseling, or educational psychology.

3.Twenty four semester hours of food and nutrition. At least three semester hours must have been received in each of the following categories:

I. Diet therapy, medical dietetics, clinical nutrition, or the equivalent.
II. Nutrition through life cycle, applied human nutrition, advanced human nutrition, or the equivalent.
III. Foods, food science, food composition and menu planning, food service management, or the equivalent.

b. The applicant has completed a Board approved internship or documented, supervised practice experience that meets the competency requirements of an ACEND accredited, supervised practice experience and is not less than 1000 hours under the supervision of a Certified Nutrition Specialist, a Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, a licensed dietitian/nutritionist, a licensed nutritionist, a State licensed health care practitioner whose licensed scope of practice includes dietetics or nutrition, or an individual with a doctoral degree conferred by a United States regionally accredited college or university with a major course of study in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics, food systems management, community nutrition, public health nutrition, nutrition education, nutrition, nutrition science, clinical nutrition, applied clinical nutrition, nutrition counseling, nutrition and functional medicine, nutritional biochemistry, nutrition and integrative health, or an equivalent course of study, with a reasonable threshold of academic credits in nutrition and nutrition sciences as described in sub subdivision a. of this subdivision. Supervisors who obtained their doctoral degree outside of the United States and its territories must have their degrees validated by the Board as equivalent to the doctoral degree conferred by a United States regionally accredited college or university.

c. The applicant has successfully completed the registration examination for dietitian nutritionists administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

(2) The applicant has a valid current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration that gives the applicant the right to use the term “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist” or “RDN.”

Review our Types of Licensure page, or review the law below:

The requirements for licensure as a nutritionist, as set forth in the Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act under N.C. General Statute § 90-357.5, are as follows:

(c) Each applicant for a license as a licensed nutritionist shall submit a completed application as required by the Board, submit any fees as required by the Board, and shall submit proof of the completion of all of the following educational, supervised practice experience and examination requirements:

(1) The applicant has received any of the following from a college or university accredited at the time of graduation from the appropriate regional accrediting agency recognized by the Council on Higher Education, or a validated foreign equivalent: a master’s or doctoral nutrition degree with a major in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics, community nutrition, public health nutrition, nutrition education, nutrition, nutrition science, clinical nutrition, applied clinical nutrition, nutrition counseling, nutrition and functional medicine, nutritional biochemistry, nutrition and integrative health, or an equivalent course of study or a master’s or doctoral degree in a field of clinical health care.  Regardless of the course of study, an applicant shall have completed coursework from a regionally accredited college or university in medical nutrition therapy that shall consist of the following courses:

a. Fifteen semester hours of clinical or life sciences, including such courses as chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, botany, genetics, genomics, neuroscience, experimental science, immunotherapy, pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, research methods, applied statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, oxidative/reductive dynamics, energy production, molecular pathways, hormone and transmitter regulations and imbalance, biotransformation pathways and imbalances, and pathophysiologic basis of disease. At least three semester hours must be in human anatomy and physiology or the equivalent.

b. Fifteen semester hours of nutrition and metabolism, including such courses as nutrition assessment, developmental nutrition, nutritional aspects of disease, human nutrition, macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, functional medicine nutrition, molecular metabolism, clinical nutrition, nutritional biochemistry, nutrition and digestive health, and public health nutrition. At least six semester hours must be in biochemistry.

(2) The applicant must have completed a Board‑approved internship or a documented, supervised practice experience in nutrition services of not less than 1000 hours involving at least 200 hours of nutrition assessment, 200 hours of nutrition intervention, education, counseling, or management, and 200 hours of nutrition monitoring or evaluation under the supervision of a Certified Nutrition Specialist, a Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, a licensed dietitian/nutritionist, a licensed nutritionist, a State‑licensed health care practitioner whose licensed scope of practice includes dietetics or nutrition, or an individual with a doctoral degree conferred by a United States regionally accredited college or university with a major course of study in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics, community nutrition, public health nutrition, nutrition education, nutrition, nutrition science, clinical nutrition, applied clinical nutrition, nutrition counseling, nutrition and functional medicine, nutritional biochemistry, nutrition and integrative health, or an equivalent course of study, with a reasonable threshold of academic credits in nutrition and nutrition sciences as described in subdivision (1) of this subsection. Supervisors who obtained their doctoral degree outside of the United States and its territories must have their degrees validated by the Board as equivalent to the doctoral degree conferred by a United States regionally accredited college or university.

(3) The applicant meets one of the following criteria:

a. The applicant has successfully completed either the examination administered by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists, the examination administered by the American Clinical Board of Nutrition, or another examination approved by the Board and meeting the requirements defined in G.S. 90 359.

b. The applicant has either a valid current certification with the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists that gives the applicant the right to use the term “Certified Nutrition Specialist” or “CNS” or a valid current certification with the American Clinical Board of Nutrition that gives the applicant the right to use the term “Diplomate, American Clinical Board of Nutrition” or “DACBN.”

§ 90‑368.  Persons and practices not affected.

The requirements of this Article shall not apply to:

(1) A health care professional duly licensed in accordance with Chapter 90 of the General Statutes who is acting within the scope of the individual’s licensed profession, provided that the individual does not use the titles licensed dietitian/nutritionist or licensed nutritionist.

(2) A student or trainee, working under the direct supervision of  an individual who meets the criteria outlined in G.S. 90‑357.5(a)(1)b. or G.S. 90‑357.5(c)(2) while fulfilling an experience requirement or pursuing a course of study to meet requirements for licensure, for a limited period of time as determined by the Board.

(3) A dietitian/nutritionist or nutritionist serving in the Armed Forces or the Public Health Service of the United States or employed by the Veterans Administration when performing duties associated with that service or employment.

(4) A person aiding the practice of dietetics or nutrition if the person works under the direct supervision of a licensed dietitian/nutritionist, licensed nutritionist, or other licensed health care practitioner whose licensed scope of practice includes the practice of dietetics or nutrition  and the person performs only support activities that do not require formal academic training in the basic food, nutrition, chemical, biological, behavioral, and social sciences that are used in the practice of dietetics or nutrition.

(5) An employee of the State, a local political subdivision, or a local school administrative unit or a person that contracts with the State, a local political subdivision, or a local school administrative unit while engaged in the practice of dietetics or nutrition within the scope of that employment.

(6) A retailer who does not hold himself out to be a dietitian or nutritionist when that retailer furnishes nutrition information to customers on food, food materials, dietary supplements and other goods sold at his retail establishment in connection with the marketing and distribution of those goods at his retail establishment.

(7) A person who provides weight control services; provided the program has been reviewed by, consultation is available from, and no program change can be initiated without prior approval of one of the following individuals:

a. A North Carolina licensed dietitian/nutritionist, nutritionist, or other health care practitioner whose licensed scope of practice includes the practice of dietetics or nutrition.

b. A dietitian/nutritionist, nutritionist, or other health care practitioner licensed or certified in another state that has licensure or certification requirements that are at least as stringent as under this Article, and other relevant section of this Chapter, and whose licensed scope of practice includes the practice of dietetics or nutrition.

c. A dietitian/nutritionist or nutritionist registered by the Commission on Dietetic  Registration, the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists, or the American Clinical Board of Nutrition.

(9) A person who does not hold himself or herself out to be a dietitian or nutritionist when that person furnishes nutrition information on food, food materials, or dietary supplements. This Article does not prohibit that person from making explanations to customers about foods or food products in connection with the marketing and distribution of these products.

(10) An herbalist or other person who does not hold himself or herself out to be a dietitian or nutritionist when the person furnishes nonfraudulent specific nutritional information and counseling about the reported or historical use of herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, carbohydrates, sugars, enzymes, food concentrates, or other foods.

(11) Any individual who provides nutrition services without remuneration to family members.

(12) Any individual who provides nutrition information, guidance, encouragement, individualized nutrition recommendations, or weight control services that do not constitute medical nutrition therapy as defined in G.S. 90‑352, provided that the individual (i) does not hold himself or herself out as a licensed dietitian/nutritionist or a licensed nutritionist as prohibited under G.S. 90‑365 and (ii) does not seek to provide medical nutrition therapy as defined in G.S. 90‑352.

A majority of states have some form of regulation for dietitians/nutritionists. Many of these states have title protection statutes and/or scope of practice protection statutes, similar to North Carolina’s law. Some have less restrictive laws and require only registration or certification. In general, one should determine in what state the provision of nutrition care is being received, to determine which state licensure should be obtained and contact that state for their requirements.

The RD/RDN or Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist is a trademark of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is not restricted by the North Carolina law.

However, possessing the RD/RDN credential alone is not sufficient to provide MNT in North Carolina nor use protected titles such as the stand-alone terms “dietitian” or “nutritionist.”

You must have an active license through this Board to provide MNT or use protected titles.

1. Employment of fraud, deceit or misrepresentation in obtaining or attempting to obtain a license, or the renewal of a license;
2. Committing an act or acts of malpractice, gross negligence or incompetence in the practice of dietetics/nutrition;
3. Practicing as a licensed dietitian/nutritionist without a current license;
4. Engaging in conduct that could result in harm or injury to the public;
5. Conviction of or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any crime involving moral turpitude;
6. Adjudication of insanity or incompetency, until proof of recovery from the condition can be established;
7. Engaging in any act or practice violative of any of the provisions of this Article or any rule adopted by the Board, or aiding, abetting or assisting any person in such a violation.

Denial, refusal to renew, suspension, revocation or imposition of probationary conditions upon a license may be ordered by the Board after a hearing held in accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes and rules adopted by the Board. An application may be made to the Board for reinstatement of a revoked license if the revocation has been in effect for at least one year.

Per N.C.G.S. §90-367, the Board may make application to any appropriate court for an order enjoining violations of the Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act, and upon a showing by the Board that any person has violated or is about to violate the Act, the court may grant an injunction, restraining order, or take other appropriate action.

Finally, should a prosecutor choose to pursue a violation of the NC Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act, any person found guilty of such a violation, per N.C.G.S.§ 90-366, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Each act of such unlawful practice shall constitute a distinct and separate offense.

Licenses are renewed annually and are valid from April 1st through March 31st. All licensees are informed and reminded of renewal at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration date of the license (March 31st). Renewal reminder postcards are sent to the physical address on file with the NCBDN office, and reminder emails are sent to the email address on file with the NCBDN office.*

The completed renewal application and current renewal fee of $95 must be submitted online by March 31st. If you renew after March 31st, but before May 31st, you are subject to an additional $75 late fee in addition to renewal costs. After May 31st your license is considered Lapsed.

Per 21 NCAC 17 .0109(c) Licenses shall expire on March 31 of every year. A license for an LDN or LN shall be issued for a period of one year beginning April 1 and ending March 31. If an LDN or LN license is initially granted, reinstated, or reactivated between January 1 and March 31, the license shall be granted from the time of issuance through March 31 of the following year.

Thus, if you are issued a new license in, for example November or December, you will be required to renew your license before March 31st of the following year. However, if you are issued a new license in February, your license will also be issued through March 31st of the following year.

Please contact the NCBDN office with further questions regarding this issue.

*Per 21 NCAC 17 .0109(e) failure to receive renewal notice is not justification for late renewal.

Occasionally this does happen. However, unless otherwise exempt, a valid license is mandatory if one is providing medical nutrition therapy in North Carolina. Providing medical nutrition therapy or using protected titles without a license is a violation of the law and a person may be subject to penalties.

Individuals failing to renew by March 31st will be notified, via the contact information on file with the NCBDN, and given an opportunity to renew their licenses with an additional $75 late fee. Licenses not renewed by May 31st will be considered Lapsed, and subject to all initial licensure fees and criminal background check, should one choose to reinstate.

An individual is required to have a license if one is providing medical nutrition therapy, either as a volunteer or for a fee, or if one is utilizing one of the protected titles, as defined in the law.

If you are unemployed or working in a position where you are exempt from North Carolina’s licensure law, you should complete the Inactive Status request form online before license expiration on March 31st or by completing the Relinquish request form online to relinquish the license. Please log in to the NCBDN Gateway to determine your options.

Contact the Board office as soon as possible at (919) 388-1931 or email us at info@ncbdn.org so that we may note the issue and advise you accordingly. If you feel your licensure Gateway password has been compromised, please inform the Board office.

After December 29, 2016, all licensure cards are issued electronically. Licensees may log in to the NCBDN Gateway to print a card at any time.

Per 21 NCAC 17.0109(g) licensees must provide documentation of having met continuing education requirements.

For licensees who are Registered Dietitians licensed under Category A as licensed dietitians/nutritionists, such licensees must provide:

• Verification of current certification as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist by the CDR, and verification of compliance with CDR’s continuing education requirements. The continuing education standards required to maintain certification are contained in the “Professional Development Portfolio Guide,” which is hereby incorporated by reference including subsequent amendments and editions of reference material. Copies of this standard may be obtained at no charge from CDR’s website at: https://www.cdrnet.org/pdp-welcome;

For licensees who are Certified Nutrition Specialists licensed under Category F as licensed nutritionists, such licensees must provide:

• Verification of current certification as a Certified Nutrition Specialist by the BCNS, and verification of compliance with BCNS’s continuing education requirements. The continuing education standards required to maintain certification are listed on the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists’ website, which is hereby incorporated by reference including subsequent amendments or editions of reference material. Copies of this standard may be obtained at no charge from the BCNS’s website at: https://www.theana.org/recertification-policy/.

For licensees who hold the Diplomate, American Clinical Board of Nutrition credential, and are licensed under Category F as licensed nutritionists, such licensees must provide:

• Verification of current certification as a Diplomate, American Clinical Board of Nutrition by the ACBN, and verification of compliance with ACBN’s continuing education requirements. The continuing education standards required to maintain certification are listed on the American Clinical Board of Nutrition’s website, in the recertification section of the Candidate Handbook, which is hereby incorporated by reference including subsequent amendments or editions of reference material. Copies of this standard may be obtained at no charge from the ACBN’s website at: https://www.acbn.org/apply.

Finally, for licensees who do not hold the Registered Dietitian, Certified Nutrition Specialist, or the Diplomate, American Clinical Board of Nutrition credential, and are either a licensed dietitian/nutritionist or licensed nutritionist, such licensees must provide:

• A summary of continuing education on the form provided by the Board documenting completion of 75 hours of continuing education for a five-year period. The continuing education hours must meet the standards contained in the “Professional Development Portfolio Guide,” referenced above.  Documentary evidence for continuing education activities shall include the following for each activity:
  • the name of provider/sponsor
  • the name of accrediting organization
  • the title of the activity
  • the date attended
  • the continuing education hours earned, and
  • a record of attendance or participation.

Effective July 1, 2018 the ordering of therapeutic diets is addressed in the Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act.  Under N.C. General Statute § 90-365 a license is required to provide medical nutrition therapy.  Medical nutrition therapy is defined under N.C.G.S. § 90-352(3a) as the provision of nutrition care services for the purpose of managing or treating a medical condition.  Per section (4) of § 90-352 nutrition care services are defined as:

1. Assessing and evaluating the nutritional needs of individuals and groups, and determining resources and constraints in the practice setting, including ordering laboratory tests related to the practice of nutrition and dietetics.
2. Establishing priorities, goals, and objectives that meet nutritional needs and are consistent with available resources and constraints.
3. Providing nutrition counseling in health and disease.
4. Developing, implementing, and managing nutrition care systems.
5. Evaluating, making changes in, and maintaining appropriate standards of quality in food and nutrition services.
6. Ordering therapeutic diets.

Further statutory guidance regarding enteral and parenteral nutrition therapy is provided in N.C. General Statute § 90-365.6 where it is stated:

(a) Enteral and parenteral nutrition therapy shall consist of enteral feedings or specialized intravenous solutions and shall only be ordered by an individual licensed under this Article who meets one of the following criteria:

(1) The individual is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
(2) The individual is a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician certified by the National Board of Nutrition Support Certification.
(3) The individual meets the requirements set forth in the rules adopted by the Board.

(b) Nothing in this Article shall be construed to limit the ability of any other licensed health care practitioner in this State to order therapeutic diets, so long as the ordering of therapeutic diets falls within the scope of the license held by the health care practitioner.

In accord with the amended Practice Act, the NCBDN regulations, found under Title 21, Chapter 17, of the NC Administrative Code, have been updated to provide the following definition for “nutrition assessment.”

“Nutrition assessment” means:

(A)          the initial and ongoing, dynamic, and systematic process of obtaining, verifying, and interpreting biochemical, anthropometric, physical, nutrigenomic, clinical, and dietary data to determine nutritional needs and order therapeutic diets, including enteral and parenteral nutrition;

(B)          the ordering of laboratory tests related to the practice of nutrition and dietetics; and

(C)          the conducting of a swallow screen.

(D)          The collection of data does not, by itself, constitute nutrition assessment.

It is important to keep in mind that all licensees of the NCBDN are expected to abide by the Code of Ethics for Professional Practice and Conduct as outlined in 21 NCAC 17.0114. This includes, but is not limited to, assuming responsibility and accountability for personal competence in practice, continuously developing and enhancing expertise through education, and recognizing personal limitations, in addition to recognizing and exercising professional judgment within the limits of the licensee’s qualifications and not accepting or performing professional responsibilities which the licensee knows or has reason to know that he or she is not qualified to perform.

With the Code of Ethics in mind, the NCBDN advises that as licensees, if asked to order patient diets independently, without requiring the supervision or approval of a physician or other practitioner, licensees ensure: they are competent to do so, they become part of the medical staff or receive privileges from the hospital or long-term care facility to order therapeutic diets, and that writing such orders is addressed within a clear protocol or policy adopted by facility.

Helpful Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics documentation regarding scope of practice for RDs and order writing regulations is found here.

No, not necessarily. No matter when in a calendar year a license is issued, it will be issued through March 31^st of the following calendar year. The law does not provide for pro-rating of fees based on when during the year your license is issued.

Per 21 NCAC 17 .0109 (c), licenses shall expire on March 31 of every year. A license for an LDN or LN shall be issued for a period of one year beginning April 1 and ending March 31. If an LDN or LN license is initially granted, reinstated, or reactivated between January 1 and March 31, the license shall be granted from the time of issuance through March 31 of the following year.

To process a name change, please log in to the NCBDN Gateway.

You will need to have the following available to upload:

• A digital copy of your marriage certificate (or divorce decree or court judgment for name change). Alternatively, you may also submit a digital copy of your current Driver’s License or Passport.

Please note, you will have the ability to print your updated card or certificate online, from the NCBDN licensee Gateway, once you receive a confirmation email indicating that your name change request has been processed and approved.

NOTE: The NCBDN database is not “linked” with the Commission on Dietetic’s database, the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists’ database, or the American Clinical Board of Nutrition’s database. Thus, you must change your name with each entity separately.

Please contact the Board office if you have any questions regarding this process, 919-388-1931 or info@ncbdn.org.

Licensure is based on where the care is being received by the client, not necessarily where the provider lives or provides care from. Therefore, if you are providing medical nutrition therapy to a client who is receiving that care in North Carolina, then a license is required in NC. There is no grace period or alternate agreement related to telehealth.

Under N.C. General Statute § 90-352(6) telepractice is defined as the delivery of services under this Article by means other than in-person, including by telephone, e-mail, Internet, or other means of electronic communication.  Per N.C. General Statute § 90-365.5 telepractice is not prohibited under the Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act so long as (i) it is appropriate for the individual receiving the services and (ii) the level of care provided meets the required level of care for that individual. An individual providing services regulated by this Article via telepractice shall comply with, and shall be subject to, all licensing and disciplinary provisions of the Article.

Prior to providing telehealth services, one should determine whether one will only be providing health coaching/nutrition coaching services, for which one may not need to be licensed (see Guideline A for unlicensed persons who are not otherwise exempt), or, if one will be providing medical nutrition therapy for which a license is required in North Carolina. Per N.C. General Statute § 90-352(3a) medical nutrition therapy is defined as the provision of nutrition care services for the purpose of managing or treating a medical condition.  Per N.C. General Statute § 90-352(4), nutrition care services are defined as any, part, or all of the following:

• Assessing and evaluating the nutritional needs of individuals and groups, and determining resources and constraints in the practice setting, including ordering laboratory tests related to the practice of nutrition and dietetics.
• Establishing priorities, goals, and objectives that meet nutritional needs and are consistent with available resources and constraints.
• Providing nutrition counseling in health and disease.
• Developing, implementing, and managing nutrition care systems.
• Evaluating, making changes in, and maintaining appropriate standards of quality in food and nutrition services.
• Ordering therapeutic diets.

If one is providing the above detailed nutrition care services for the purpose of managing or treating a medical condition, and is not otherwise exempt, a license is required in North Carolina.

Per regulation 21 NCAC 17.0403, which addresses the electronic practice of dietitians/nutritionists, any person, whether residing in this State or not, who by use of electronic or other medium performs any of the acts described as the practice of medical nutrition therapy with a client or patient located in this State, but is not licensed pursuant to Article 25 of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes shall be deemed by the Board as being engaged in the practice of medical nutrition therapy and subject to the enforcement provisions available to the Board. Among other remedies, the Board shall report violations of this Rule to any occupational licensing board having issued an occupational license to a person who violates this Rule. This Rule does not apply to persons licensed pursuant to, or exempt from licensure pursuant to, Article 25 of G.S. 90.

Unless one is otherwise exempt (see exemptions in N.C. General Statute § 90-368), if one is providing nutrition care services for the purpose of managing or treating a disease state, as a practitioner in North Carolina, or as a practitioner residing outside of the state but providing such services via the use of technology to the citizens of North Carolina, one must be licensed to provide such services. In addition, if a practitioner resides in North Carolina, but one’s clients include persons outside of North Carolina, one will need to investigate whether or not he/she is required to be licensed or certified in each state where one’s clients are located.

Finally, licensure is just one of many factors that one must consider when choosing to provide telehealth services. Such other factors include but are not limited to, consideration of reimbursement, ensuring one is utilizing HIPPA compliant technology, and whether one’s malpractice insurance covers telehealth.

It is clear that this emerging form of healthcare will continue to grow and will provide access to nutrition services to many who might not otherwise be able to access such services. As a licensee, it is important that you maintain awareness of this form of practice, and if you choose to provide it, ensure that you are in compliance with all laws and regulations of each state in which you choose to provide nutrition services.

Additional resources from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics are available at:

https://www.cdrnet.org/LicensureMap 

The NCBDN has moved to an entirely web-based system. This office no longer issues plastic ID cards or wall mountable certificates at license issuance, or at annual renewal. You may now log into the NCBDN Gateway at any time, and print your ID Card or Certificate, under your “Options.” If you have not previously used the NCBDN Gateway, you may need to complete a brief registration process first.

If you desire a wall-mount certificate, they are available for purchase for a duplicate certificate service fee of $30, by logging into the NCBDN Gateway; under your “Options,” select “Buy Certificate.”

Please review our page concerning licensure status and Reactivating/Reinstating a License. 

A provisional license may be granted to a person who has completed the education and pre-professional requirements as specified in the law and who presents evidence to the Board of intent to take an examination approved by the board.

For students pursuing their Registered Dietitian credential, you must provide:

• A copy of unofficial transcripts;
• A copy of your government-issued photo ID;
• A verification statement from your ACEND-accredited academic program;
• A verification statement from your ACEND-accredited supervised practice program;
• A copy of your Authorization to Test email from PearsonVue, indicating you are approved to take the R.D. exam.
• Provisional licensees are required to work under the supervision of an NC licensed dietitian/nutritionist or licensed nutritionist and must provide a completed Form B2 upon application.

For students pursuing their Certified Nutrition Specialist credential or the Diplomate, American Clinical Board of Nutrition credential, you must provide:

• Official transcripts
• Form A-3 and tracking log such as A-7 (download);
• Form(s) A-4 (for each supervisor);
• Form(s) A-5 (for each supervisor);
• Form A-6;
• Documentation demonstrating that one has made application to take either the CNS examination given by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists or the DACBN exam given by the American Clinical Board of Nutrition.
• Provisional licensees are required to work under the supervision of an NC licensed dietitian/nutritionist or licensed nutritionist and must provide a completed Form B2 upon application.

Find all forms and documents here.

The cost of a provisional license is $133 ($60 Application fee + $35 Issuance fee + $38 criminal background check fee). Provisional licenses are valid for one year from date of issuance. If you pass the required exam within 12 months from the issuance date of your provisional license, you only pay the balance of the total issuance fee to upgrade to a full license, which is $115. Note, all new applicants are also subject to a criminal background check.

Please click here to access the Provisional (Category B or Category G) license applications.

These persons must be under the “direct supervision” of a licensed dietitian/nutritionist or licensed nutritionist in a manner which protects the public. Direct Supervision is defined in 21 NCAC 17 .0401 and supervisors are required to:

(A) be available for consultation on delegated nutrition care activities being performed by the person being supervised, either through on-site or through electronic communication, and shall be available to render assistance when needed to the unlicensed personnel and patient or client, or shall have arranged for another licensee to be available in the absence of the licensed dietitian/nutritionist, licensed nutritionist, or other licensed health care practitioner whose licensed scope of practice includes the practice of dietetics or nutrition;

(B) directly and personally examine, evaluate, and approve the acts or functions of the person supervised; and

(c) provide sufficient guidance and direction as to enable the unlicensed personnel to perform the delegated activity or function.

Full  guidance for supervising unlicensed persons can be found in 21 NCAC 17 .0401.

For additional guidance on levels of supervision, for example between supervision of unlicensed persons vs. Provisional licensees, please refer to the NCBDN’s Guideline C.

The Board cannot act against the North Carolina Department of Safety or its Division of Adult Correction. This Board can only address its licensees.

If you have a complaint against a licensee(s) of this Board, the complaint process is here.

If you have other food-related concerns or you want to ask for copies of policies from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s (NCDPS) Prisons Food and Nutrition Management Policies and Procedures manual, please contact:

NC Department of Public Safety/Division of Prisons and Food and Nutrition Management
Attention:  Kelli Harris, MS, RD, LDN
Mail Service Center 4279
Raleigh, NC 27699

A prisoner can ask for any policy through their Custody Officer.

A copy of the law that talks about what this Board can do is Statutes, found here.

Before submitting a complaint, please consider these questions: 

1. Is the person clearly providing nutrition care aimed at treating a disease state?  

• Note: Unlicensed individuals may provide nutrition information, guidance, encouragement, individualized nutrition recommendations, or weight control services that do not constitute medical nutrition therapy as defined in G.S. 90-352, provided that the individual (i) does not hold himself or herself out as a licensed dietitian/nutritionist or a licensed nutritionist as prohibited under G.S. 90-365 and (ii) does not seek to provide medical nutrition therapy as defined in G.S. 90-352. 

1. Is the person licensed in North Carolina as another type of healthcare provider under Chapter 90 of the General Statutes? If so, and negligent care is being provided, you must reach out to the appropriate Board.  

• Chapter 90 licensed healthcare providers are exempt from the requirements of the Dietetic Practice Act. 

1. Is the person otherwise exempt under any of the provisions of NCGS § 90-368? 

• Review statutory exemptions here. 

1. Is the person using protected titles?  

• Titles such as “dietitian” and “nutritionist” alone or in combination are prohibited without being licensed. For detailed title use information please visit the FAQ “What titles are restricted by the law?” 

1. Finally, is the person doing any of these things in North Carolina (or with North Carolina clients)?   

• This Board does not have any jurisdiction over persons “on the internet” where no concrete information indicates their violations are in North Carolina or with North Carolina client. 

You may wish to send our Guideline A for unlicensed persons to the individual of concern, to educate them on the law in NC. It can be accessed here: Guideline A