S297 - Modernize Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act

• Creates a new "licensed nutritionist" credential separate from "licensed dietitian/nutritionist," allowing qualified nutrition professionals with master's or doctoral degrees to practice without requiring the same extensive supervised practice as dietitians.

• Restructures the North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition from seven members with specialty-based categories to seven members including three licensed dietitian/nutritionists, two licensed nutritionists, one physician, and one public member.

• Expands the scope of practice to allow licensed professionals to order laboratory tests, order therapeutic diets, and provide telepractice services (telephone, email, internet-based delivery).

• Requires criminal background checks for all licensure applicants with Board consideration of factors including crime severity, date, age at conviction, and rehabilitation rather than automatic disqualification.

• Permits unlicensed individuals to provide general nutrition information, weight control services, and nutrition guidance that does not constitute "medical nutrition therapy" without holding themselves out as licensed dietitians or nutritionists.