Understanding the difference between "Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist" and "Registered Dietitian"

In Illinois, dietetics is a licensed professional and only those who hold a valid license as a Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) have the right to call themselves "dietitian", "nutritionist", or "dietitian nutritionist," and practice dietetics.

Registered Dietitian (RD) is a private credential issued after completing qualifications required by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, including successfully passing CDR examination. The private credential RD does not allow a person to practice dietetics in a state with mandatory licensure, and Illinois is one of those states. This is not unique to dietitians as similar provisions apply to other licensed professions, such as nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, etc.

When the Illinois Dietetic Association (IDA) requested the establishment of licensure, we maintained that in order to protect the public, everyone must submit proof of their qualifications to the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (IDPR) before becoming a dietitian. Having the RD credential is automatically accepted as proof and fast tracks the process of licensure, but the RD credential does NOT function as a license or the right to practice.

Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) is a license that provides the right to practice, call oneself a Dietitian, Nutritionist or Dietitian Nutritionist, and the ability to take a job with the classification and duties of a Dietitian or Nutritionist. Perhaps some people think of LDN as just another credential, a fee to pay and extra letters after their name, when actually it is the right to practice in Illinois.

The law does allow an individual to provide nutrition services under the supervision of Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN). New dietetic graduates and new RDs who do not have an Illinois license:

• Must provide nutrition services only under the supervision of an LDN -- who has at least 3 years experience in dietetic practice.
• Must NOT use the title "Dietitian", "Nutritionist" or "Dietitian Nutritionist", but may use a title such as "Dietetic Assistant" or "Dietary Technician" or another title not regulated by IDPR as mandated by the Dietetic Practice Act.
• Must successfully pass the CDR exam and obtain documentation of successful passage.
• Must submit a completed application to the IDPR for an Illinois license under the "Acceptance of Examination" as soon as successful passage of the CDR exam can be documented. The CDR exam is the qualifying exam and as stated will fast track an application.
• Must hold a valid Illinois license as LDN before starting a position as dietitian.

A frequently made mistake is for a new grad or new RD to have a position with classification as a Dietitian or Nutritionist before receiving their license. Any licensure applicant who has the job classification of dietitian or nutritionist is practicing without license even if they are supervised. THEY ARE IN VIOLATION OF THE DIETETIC PRACTICE ACT AND ARE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION. This has been the law since it was enacted in 1992. All such applicants are automatically referred to the IDPR Enforcement Department, which conducts an investigation of this individual and the illegal practice. It not only delay the application, but the individual is contacted by an IDPR attorney and usually receives a "cease and desist" letter. To date, individuals have received an internal, but PERMANENT memo in their file. However, the law does provide for a significant fine and a permanent public notation as is done with other professions. When an individual lists a job as a dietitian in Illinois on their application, in essence that person is admitting to practicing without a license. Failure to disclose such information is even more serious and may result in denial or revocation of a license.

This requirement to have a license to practice in Illinois has not changed. This has been the law for over 10 years. However, it appears that many people have misinterpreted the law and are operating as things were before licensure was enacted in 1992.

Assistance is available:

• Use the Illinois Dept of Financial & Professional Regulation website: www.idfpr.com
  • Go to the Dietetic Nutritionist Profession
  • This will provide the law, rules and regulations and applications
• E-mail or call: Connie Locher Bussard at 217-787-3947 or CLBussard@aol.com
• Contact Cheryl Fox, IDPR Dietetic Board Liaison at 214-782-0218