TN SB2579

Creates two distinct professional licenses: "licensed dietitian" for complex medical nutrition therapy in inpatient and outpatient settings, and "licensed nutritionist" for non-complex medical nutrition therapy in low-acuity outpatient settings only

Establishes the Board of Dietitian and Nutritionist Examiners with 9 governor-appointed members: 5 licensed dietitians, 2 licensed nutritionists, 1 physician, and 1 public representative

Requires licensed dietitians to hold a master's or doctoral degree from an ACEND-accredited program, complete 1,000 hours of supervised practice, and pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration examination

Requires licensed nutritionists to hold a master's or doctoral degree in nutrition-related fields with specific coursework (15 semester hours in clinical/life sciences, 15 in nutrition/metabolism), complete 1,000 hours of supervised practice, and pass the Certified Nutrition Specialist examination

Makes unauthorized use of protected titles ("dietitian," "nutritionist," "licensed dietitian," "licensed nutritionist") a Class A misdemeanor, with exemptions for federal employees, students, WIC program workers, and those providing general non-medical nutrition information