Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0680 - Board for Licensing Contractors
Tennessee Rules & Regulations
Title 0470 — Dietitian/Nutritionist Examiners
Overview
Title 0470 governs the licensure, regulation, and professional conduct of dietitians and nutritionists practicing in Tennessee. The Tennessee Board of Dietitian/Nutritionist Examiners oversees these rules to ensure practitioners meet established qualifications and provide safe, ethical nutritional services to the public.
The Board functions under the Tennessee Department of Health and operates pursuant to the Tennessee Dietitian/Nutritionist Practice Act.
Key Areas Covered in Title 0470
1. Licensing Requirements
Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field from an accredited institution.
Completion of an accredited supervised practice program (such as a dietetic internship) is required.
Must pass a national examination (e.g., the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s Registered Dietitian Exam).
Submit an application with required fees and undergo background checks.
Licenses are valid for a specified period (usually two years) and require renewal.
2. Scope of Practice
Licensed dietitians and nutritionists are authorized to:
Assess nutritional needs and status.
Develop, implement, and evaluate nutritional care plans.
Provide medical nutrition therapy.
Educate individuals and groups about nutrition.
Collaborate with other healthcare providers.
The scope explicitly prohibits:
Diagnosing medical conditions unless licensed to do so under other state laws.
Prescribing medications or performing treatments outside nutrition.
3. Continuing Education
Licensees must complete a minimum number of continuing education hours (typically 15-20 hours every two years).
Continuing education should relate to nutrition, dietetics, ethics, or public health.
Documentation of completed CE hours must be maintained for audit.
4. Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Licensees must practice with:
Integrity, honesty, and professionalism.
Respect for patient/client confidentiality.
Commitment to providing evidence-based nutrition services.
Avoidance of conflicts of interest or fraudulent activities.
5. Disciplinary Actions
The Board has authority to investigate and discipline licensees for violations such as:
Practicing without a license.
Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining licensure.
Substance abuse impairing ability to practice safely.
Unprofessional or unethical conduct.
Criminal convictions related to professional duties.
Sanctions may include:
License suspension or revocation.
Monetary fines.
Probationary terms.
Required remediation or continuing education.
6. Advertising and Representation
Licensees must not engage in false or misleading advertising about their services or qualifications.
Titles such as “Registered Dietitian” or “Licensed Nutritionist” must be used accurately and only by those properly credentialed.
7. Unlicensed Practice
It is unlawful for any individual to represent themselves as a licensed dietitian or nutritionist without proper licensure.
The Board actively enforces against unlicensed practice.
Relevant Case Law
While specific appellate decisions directly citing Title 0470 may be limited, the following hypothetical and illustrative examples align with how courts typically interpret and enforce these regulations:
Case 1: Tennessee Board of Dietitian/Nutritionist Examiners v. Jane Doe (2020)
Facts:
Jane Doe practiced as a dietitian without holding a valid Tennessee license. She was providing nutrition counseling and medical nutrition therapy.
Issue:
Whether practicing without a license under Title 0470 constitutes grounds for disciplinary action.
Holding:
The court upheld the Board’s authority to impose penalties, including fines and injunctive relief, to cease unlicensed practice.
Significance:
Reinforces the Board’s regulatory authority to protect the public from unqualified practitioners.
Case 2: In re John Smith, Licensed Dietitian (2018)
Facts:
John Smith was disciplined by the Board after failing to disclose a felony conviction on his licensure renewal and being found guilty of unethical conduct related to billing fraud.
Issue:
Whether non-disclosure and unethical billing justify license suspension.
Holding:
The court affirmed the Board’s decision to suspend Smith’s license, emphasizing integrity and honesty as core to the profession.
Significance:
Affirms that licensure depends on ethical conduct and full disclosure, consistent with Title 0470 provisions.
Case 3: Doe v. Tennessee Board of Dietitian/Nutritionist Examiners (2019)
Facts:
Doe challenged the Board’s denial of licensure renewal based on insufficient continuing education documentation.
Issue:
Whether continuing education requirements are valid conditions for licensure maintenance.
Holding:
The court supported the Board’s denial, recognizing continuing education as a reasonable regulatory requirement to ensure practitioner competence.
Significance:
Supports ongoing professional development as mandated by Title 0470.
Summary Table
| Regulatory Area | Description | Case Law Example |
|---|---|---|
| Licensure Requirements | Degree, supervised practice, national exam | Board v. Jane Doe (Unlicensed practice) |
| Scope of Practice | Nutritional assessment, planning, education | N/A |
| Continuing Education | 15-20 hours biennial CE required | Doe v. Board (CE documentation denial) |
| Ethics and Conduct | Honesty, confidentiality, professional integrity | Board v. John Smith (Billing fraud) |
| Disciplinary Authority | Suspension, revocation, fines for violations | Board v. Jane Doe, Board v. John Smith |
| Advertising & Representation | Accurate use of titles and truthful advertising | N/A |
Why These Rules Matter
Protect Public Health: Ensures nutrition services are provided by qualified, ethical practitioners.
Maintain Professional Standards: Licensure and continuing education keep practitioners competent.
Prevent Harm: Regulates scope to prevent misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment.
Enforce Accountability: Disciplinary mechanisms hold licensees responsible for misconduct.
Clarify Practice Boundaries: Helps the public identify legitimate providers and prevents misleading claims.
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