House Bill 177 Summary

• Enacts the Dietitian Licensure Compact into Mississippi law, allowing licensed dietitians from member states to practice in Mississippi under a "compact privilege" without obtaining separate state licensure.

• Establishes the Dietitian Licensure Compact Commission as a multi-state government agency to oversee the compact, set rules, maintain a data system tracking licensees, and coordinate enforcement and discipline across member states.

• Requires applicants for compact privileges to hold an unencumbered license in their home state, meet education and examination standards, complete any jurisprudence requirements, and undergo criminal background checks.

• Authorizes remote states to take disciplinary action against dietitians exercising compact privileges within their borders, while only home states can take action against a licensee's home state license.

• Amends existing Mississippi dietitian licensure law (Sections 73-10-3, 73-10-7, and 73-10-15) to recognize compact privileges and becomes effective July 1, 2024.