§ 40-20-20 — Definitions.

In addition to the definitions pursuant to Article 1, Chapter 1: (1) "Dietetics" means the integration and application of dietary principles derived from the science of nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, food, and management and from behavioral and social sciences to achieve and maintain a healthy status. The primary function of dietetic practice is the provision of dietary nutrition care services. (2) "Licensed dietitian" means an individual licensed in good standing to practice dietetics pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. For purposes of this chapter, "dietitian" is synonymous with " registered dietitian". (3) "Nutrition care services" means any part or all of the following: (a) assessing the nutritional needs of individuals and groups and determining resources and constraints in the practice setting; (b) establishing priorities, goals, and objectives that meet nutritional needs and are consistent with available resources and constraints; (c) providing nutritional counseling in health and disease; (d) developing, implementing, and managing nutrition care systems; (e) evaluating, making changes in, and maintaining appropriate standards of quality in food and nutrition services; (f) transcribing a verbal order into patient records for co-signature by the ordering physician and implementing a physician's written and verbal orders which pertain to the practice of dietetics, if the practice of dietetics is specifically authorized by the medical director and the health care facility where the care is taking place. In the delivery of dietetic home care, this care must be authorized specifically by the physician sponsor; (g) implementing nutrition related orders under a protocol approved by the medical staff of a licensed health care facility. "Nutrition care services" does not include the retail sale of food products or vitamins and minerals. (4) "Panel" means the Panel for Dietetics under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. (5) "Registered dietitian" means an individual who is registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association as a registered dietitian.

Legislative History

HISTORY: 2006 Act No. 392, SECTION 1.