Licensure in Illinois

The Illinois General Assembly passed the Illinois Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist Practice Act to regulate persons engaging in the practice of Medical Nutrition Therapy. Act 225 ILCS 30/ is effective December 28, 2012. CLICK HERE to view the Practice Act on the Illinois General Assembly website.

The Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (IAND) Licensure Task Force worked with the Academy and our Lobbyist to create a fact sheet on dietetic licensure in Illinois. The intended purpose of this fact sheet is to inform IAND members and others about licensure. CLICK HERE to view this the fact sheet (pictured on the right).

As a first step our new licensure legislation, HB3585 Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist Practice, must win support of lawmakers. CLICK HERE to downloaded a copy of the IAND Constituent Email Template to send to your State Representative.

Witness Slip "How To" 

We also need everyone to submit a “witness slip” to officially support our bill. It’s easy-peasy. Just click this link https://my.ilga.gov/Hearing/HearingDetail/18086 and scroll down to “HB3585 Jonathan Carroll” and click the pencil icon on right under the witness slip column and insert your information. See the video below for a guide. 

Illinois LDN Renewal

State licensure needs to be renewed by October 31 every odd numbered year. The initial application fee is $100. The renewal fee is also $100. For more information about licensure, visit our Licensure FAQ page OR the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) website. 

Look up a licensee by clicking here

There’s a Difference Between an RDN and a Nutritionist?

Yes! All registered dietitians are nutritionists but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. Thanks to the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the RD/RDN credentials are legally protected titles. Anyone who uses these credentials must have been authorized by the CDR. Either credential can be used in Illinois.  

Insights on the "Nutritionist" Title

  • The "Nutritionist" title is general, non-accredited title and not regulated by the law.
  • No educational requirements.
  • No consume assurances related to working with a Nutritionist.

Why is Licensure Important?

Simply stated... to protect consumers! With the increase awareness of the importance of good nutrition, licensure has many benefits.

For further information on Licensure and Professional Regulation of Dietitians from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, CLICK HERE

Licensure 101: A Personal Introduction to Licensure

Organized by the Academy's Consumer Protection and Licensure Subcommittee. This presentation highlights Academy members across various dietetics practice areas who share why licensure is important in their particular work.

CLICK HERE to watch this presentation. 

Questions?

For licensure questions please contact our Consumer Protection Coordinators, Ashleigh Collins, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC and Karen Greathouse, PhD, RDN, LDN at [email protected]