New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08968

Introduced
8/13/25  
Refer
8/13/25  

Caption

Provides for the licensure of dietitians and nutritionists; defines the practice thereof.

Impact

The implementation of Bill A08968 is anticipated to reshape the landscape of dietary and nutritional services in New York. By stipulating clear standards for education, practical training, and examinations, the bill aims to ensure that licensed dietitians and nutritionists have the necessary qualifications to deliver safe and effective nutritional care. The creation of a standardized licensing process is intended to bolster professional accountability and consumer trust in dietary services. However, it may also elevate the barriers to entry for the profession, potentially limiting the number of practitioners available in the workforce, which could affect access to nutritional therapy for the public.

Summary

Bill A08968 proposes amendments to the education and social services laws of New York related to the licensure of dietitians and nutritionists. This legislation establishes the professional licensure requirements for individuals wishing to practice as licensed dietitians or nutritionists, defining their scope of practice which encompasses medical nutrition therapy. It seeks to standardize licensure across the state to ensure that practitioners meet specific educational and training standards, thereby elevating the quality of nutritional care provided in the state. Notably, individuals who were already certified as dietitians or nutritionists by nationally recognized organizations will maintain their licenses under the new law without additional requirements, provided they meet specific criteria outlined in the act.

Contention

There are potentially contentious aspects within the bill, particularly concerning the specific educational requirements and supervision outlined for licensure. Critics of the bill fear that the new standards could disproportionately affect aspiring professionals unable to meet the higher educational benchmarks or those who may lack access to the necessary supervised practice experiences. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the implications of licensure on the ability of community organizations and non-profits to offer nutritional programs without licensed professionals, which could limit community access to essential health services.

Companion Bills

NY S00607

Same As Provides for the licensure of dietitians and nutritionists; defines the practice thereof.

Previously Filed As

NY S00607

Provides for the licensure of dietitians and nutritionists; defines the practice thereof.

NY SB1135

Dietitian nutritionists; licensure

NY S253

Relative to modernizing licensure of dietitians and nutritionists

NY H453

Relative to modernizing licensure of dietitians and nutritionists

NY SB1174

Relating to the Board of Licensed Dietitians and Nutritionists; prescribing an effective date.

NY HB806

Generally revising laws related to dietitians and nutritionists

NY HB2070

Enacting the dietitian licensure compact to provide interstate practice privileges for dietitians.

NY HB145

Relative to background checks for licensed dietitians and adopting the dietitian licensure compact.

NY SB25

Further providing for title, for definitions, for State Board of Nursing, for dietitian-nutritionist l icense required, for unauthorized practices and acts not prohibited, for temporary practice permit, for graduates of schools of other states, territories or Dominion of Canada, for persons entitled to practice, for certified registered nurse practitioners and qualifications, for scope of practice for certified registered nurse practitioners, for prescriptive authority for certified registered nurse practitioners, for Drug Review Committee, for professional liability, for reporting of multiple licensure, for continuing nursing education, for punishment for violations, for refusal, suspension or revocation of licenses, for reinstatement of license and for injunction or other process; and providing for the expiration of the State Board of Nursing's power to license certified registered nurse practitioners.

NY HB739

Further providing for title, for definitions, for State Board of Nursing, for dietitian-nutritionist l icense required, for unauthorized practices and acts not prohibited, for temporary practice permit, for graduates of schools of other states, territories or Dominion of Canada, for persons entitled to practice, for certified registered nurse practitioners and qualifications, for scope of practice for certified registered nurse practitioners, for prescriptive authority for certified registered nurse practitioners, for Drug Review Committee, for professional liability, for reporting of multiple licensure, for continuing nursing education, for punishment for violations, for refusal, suspension or revocation of licenses, for reinstatement of license and for injunction or other process; and providing for the expiration of the State Board of Nursing's power to license certified registered nurse practitioners.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.