SB1508 - Licensure; Dietitian Nutritionists

• Establishes a new licensing system for dietitian nutritionists and nutritionists under Title 36, Chapter 42 of Arizona Revised Statutes, administered by the Department of Health Services.

• Licensed dietitian nutritionists must hold current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration or meet education, supervised practice (1,000+ hours), and examination requirements including a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited program.

• Licensed nutritionists must hold a master's or doctoral degree in nutrition with specified coursework in clinical/life sciences and nutrition/metabolism, complete 1,000+ hours of supervised practice experience, and pass the Certified Nutrition Specialist examination.

• Allows licensed dietitian nutritionists and qualified nutrition professionals in hospitals and nonhospital health care institutions to order diets, enteral feeding, nutritional supplementation, parenteral nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, laboratory tests, and prescription drug dose adjustments under medical staff-approved protocols.

• Establishes licensure fees capped at $200 for initial dietitian nutritionist licenses, with two-year license renewal requirements and continuing education standards; deposits collected fees into the Health Services Licensing Fund.