SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5669

BYSenate Committee on Health Care & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Wojahn and Deccio)

Providing for certification of dietitians and nutritionists.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 3, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5669 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Johnson, Vice Chairman; Kreidler, Niemi, Smith, West.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  February 17, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 16, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The state does not regulate dieticians or nutritionists.  The practice of dietetics generally involves the science of applying the principals of nutrition to the feeding of individuals and groups under differing economic and social conditions or for preventative, curative or restorative purposes.  The practice of a nutritionist generally involves the counseling of healthy individuals in the selection of appropriate food to meet normal nutritional needs.

The State Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) has recommended that dieticians and nutritionists be regulated by the state.  In its review of the profession, the SHCC concluded that the "public needs a way of identifying practitioners who are qualified to diagnose and prescribe dietetic/nutrition information accepted by the majority of scientifically-based health care professionals".

The SHCC recommended certification as the appropriate level of state regulation.  Certification protects professional titles and establishes educational and professional requirements for individuals who practice under the protected titles.

SUMMARY:

A new chapter is added to the statutes which establishes a state certification program for dieticians and nutritionists.  The titles "certified dietitian" and "certified nutritionist" are protected. 

The Director of Licensing is the rule-making authority for educational and disciplinary purposes.  The state dietitian/nutritionists advisory committee is created to assist the director in administration of the certification program.  The members of the committee are designated.

Educational and professional requirements are established for individuals seeking certification as a dietician or nutritionist.  They are subject to the provisions of the Uniform Disciplinary Act. The Director of Licensing is permitted to establish reciprocity rights for persons licensed or certified in other states.

Persons registered by the commission on dietetic registration are grandfathered into the certification program if their registration is valid on the effective date of the act.

Health insurance carriers are not required to or prohibited from providing benefits or coverage for persons served by certified dietitians or certified nutritionists.

Appropriation:    $70,178 to the Health Professions Account

Revenue:    from fees

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Kathleen Clark, Washington State Dietetic Association (for); Carl Mincin, A Nourishing Center (against); Natalie Gonzales, Washington State Dietetic Association (for); Linda Christoperson, Washington Association of Diet Centers (for); David Northwary, Washington Association of Diet Centers (for); Rob Matchett, Northwest Nutritional Foods Association (against); Barbara Randall, Barb's Natural Nutritional Service (against); Freeman Felt, International Association of Diet Centers (against); Lucy Phillips, SHCC