Ask the WY Dietetics Licensing Board to Change the Law on Nutrition Licensing

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Ask the WY Dietetics Licensing Board to Change the Law on Nutrition Licensing

In Wyoming, a monopolistic AND/ADA-sponsored bill became law recently: the Dietetics Licensure Act. It says that the practice of dietetics and nutrition is controlled by the Dietetics Licensing Board, and practitioners are those credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, which is run by AND/ADA.

The law is currently in the rulemaking process. The Wyoming Dietetics Licensing Board’s proposed rules include a public comment period through June 6. Please contact the Dietetics Licensing Board today and ask them to make substantial changes in the rules to be more inclusive of other nutritionist professionals.

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Wyoming Dietetics Licensing Board

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Dietetics Licensure Act--Comment Period

Dear [Legislator],

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As a Wyoming citizen, I am concerned about my family's healthcare, and I know that having a good nutritional plan is vital to good health. Because of this, I am writing to protest the Dietetics Licensure Act. It is a terrible law and should never have passed the Legislature, and it certainly shouldn't be implemented.

The act specifies that the practice of dietetics and nutrition is controlled by the Dietetics Licensing Board, and practitioners are those credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, which is run by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), formerly called the American Dietetic Association.

The AND, however, is under investigation by Congress for not disclosing their payments from the pharmaceutical, medical device, and insurance industries, and the organization receives about $1 million a year in payments from the pharmaceutical industry. It also receives payments from Coca-Cola, Hershey, Mars, PepsiCo, and others -- and the organization's approval of junk food reflects this conflict of interest.

According to the proposed rules, the Dietetics Licensing Board will consist of three Registered Dietitians and one member of the public. This is extremely biased -- there should, at the very least, be other qualified nutrition professionals on the board, like Certified Nutrition Specialists.

The only qualifying exam specifically listed is the AND exam. Other qualifying nutrition examinations should be included, such as the Certified Board of Nutrition Specialist exam, the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board exam, and the American Board of Nutrition exam -- all of which are extremely rigorous and have even more stringent requirements for certification than the AND exam.

Licensure is dependent on registration with the AND as a Registered Dietitian. There should be an exemption for individuals who are already highly qualified (many of whom have masters' degrees or PhDs) and already have been certified by with a qualified nutrition board.

This law, in essence, grants a monopoly to Registered Dietitians. I am concerned that this law, if enacted, will affect my choice to adequately protect my health and the health of my family. I should have the right to choose nutritional therapy from a variety of professionals who coincide with my personal health and nutritional philosophy. This law unfairly burdens small businesses; if enacted, it is likely that many nutrition professionals will lose their livelihoods and the number of available providers will decrease at a time when Wyoming desperately needs more, not fewer, nutrition care resources.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Protecting Natural Health