Wyoming Administrative Code Agency 043 - Dietetics Licensing Board
1. Purpose of the Board
The Dietetics Licensing Board exists to regulate the profession of dietetics in Wyoming. Dietitians (or nutritionists) provide guidance on healthy eating, clinical nutrition, and disease management through food.
The Board’s main goals are:
Protect public health and safety by ensuring that only qualified individuals provide dietetic services.
Maintain professional standards in the field of dietetics.
License and regulate practitioners in the state.
2. Scope of Authority
The Board’s authority includes:
Licensing dietitians: Only individuals licensed by the Board can legally practice dietetics in Wyoming.
Setting education and training standards: The Board decides what education, supervised experience, and examinations are required for licensure.
Regulating conduct: The Board sets rules about professional behavior, ethics, and recordkeeping.
Enforcing compliance: Investigates complaints, disciplines licensees, and may revoke or suspend licenses if rules are violated.
3. Licensing Requirements
To become a licensed dietitian in Wyoming, an applicant typically must:
Education:
Complete a degree from an accredited program in dietetics, nutrition, or a closely related field.
Supervised Practice:
Complete a dietetic internship or supervised practice experience approved by the Board.
Examination:
Pass a national or state-recognized exam that tests knowledge in nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, and professional practice.
Application and Fees:
Submit an application to the Board with proof of education, training, and exam results.
Pay the required licensing fee.
Legal Requirements:
Meet age and character requirements, which usually include no disqualifying criminal convictions.
Once licensed, dietitians can provide nutritional counseling, create diet plans, and work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or private practice.
4. Duties and Responsibilities of Licensed Dietitians
A licensed dietitian in Wyoming is expected to:
Provide accurate, evidence-based nutritional guidance.
Follow ethical standards and maintain confidentiality of clients.
Keep records of client consultations and interventions.
Stay current in professional knowledge through continuing education.
Practice within the scope of their license, avoiding activities reserved for other healthcare providers.
5. Continuing Education and Renewal
The Board requires licensees to renew their license periodically. Renewal often involves:
Completing continuing education units (CEUs) in dietetics and nutrition.
Paying renewal fees.
Maintaining a record of professional practice.
This ensures dietitians remain up-to-date with advances in nutrition science and professional standards.
6. Board Structure and Powers
The Dietetics Licensing Board is typically made up of:
Licensed dietitians with professional experience.
Public members who represent the general community.
The Board’s powers include:
Issuing and renewing licenses.
Setting rules and regulations for professional practice.
Investigating complaints about misconduct or negligence.
Disciplining licensees, including fines, suspensions, or revocation.
7. Enforcement and Penalties
If a licensee violates professional or ethical standards, the Board can:
Issue a warning or reprimand.
Require additional training or supervision.
Suspend or revoke a license.
Impose fines or other administrative penalties.
Practicing dietetics without a license in Wyoming can result in legal consequences, including fines or other penalties.
✅ Summary
The Wyoming Administrative Code, Agency 043 – Dietetics Licensing Board ensures that:
Only qualified and trained dietitians practice in Wyoming.
Dietitians follow professional and ethical standards.
The public is protected from unqualified practitioners.
Licensees stay up-to-date through continuing education.
In short, the Board exists to regulate dietetics for public safety and professional integrity.
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