Empowering Members to be Virginia's Food and Nutrition Leaders
Policy Priority
Licensure
Protect the public by establishing licensure for the provision of medical nutrition therapy in Virginia
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Establishing licensure would create clear, objective standards for professionals who provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and help Virginians identify practitioners whose education, supervised practice, examination, and ongoing accountability meet state requirements.
Support enactment of the Dietitian Licensure Compact in Virginia.
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After Virginia establishes an eligible state license, enacting the Dietitian Licensure Compact would allow eligible registered dietitians (RDs) who hold a Virginia home-state license to obtain compact privileges in other participating states. This streamlined pathway would support multistate practice and continuity of care when patients or practitioners relocate.
Why Licensure Matters
Virginia currently provides limited title protection for certain dietetics and nutrition professionals but does not license the practice of MNT. Licensure would establish objective standards for education, supervised practice, examination, ethics, demonstrated competence, and professional accountability for individuals providing MNT. These standards would help consumers identify qualified practitioners and support access to safe, evidence-based nutrition care.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and VAND support an inclusive, dual-pathway licensure framework for RDs and other qualified nutrition professionals. VAND plans to advocate during the 2027 Virginia General Assembly for legislation that protects the public, establishes clear standards of practice, and supports access to qualified nutrition care. Learn more: Licensure Protects the Public.
Licensure does not guarantee insurance coverage or reimbursement; payer policies remain separate. However, licensure can provide health plans and public programs with a clear, state-recognized standard for identifying qualified practitioners and may support provider credentialing, network participation, and reimbursement policies ultimately supporting increased accessed to qualified care.
Establishing an eligible Virginia license would allow the Commonwealth to join the Dietitian Licensure Compact. Eligible RDs with Virginia as their home state could then apply for a separate compact privilege in each participating state where they seek to practice. A compact privilege requires eligibility verification, completion of any applicable jurisprudence requirements, and payment of required fees. This pathway can reduce administrative burden compared with obtaining separate full licenses, support continuity of care and employment mobility, expand access to qualified nutrition care, and preserve each state's authority over practice.
Support VAND
Supporting VAND in its licensure efforts can take many forms. Your involvement is invaluable! Here are several ways you can contribute:
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Attend a webinar or view our licensure webinar archive.
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Educate fellow RDNs and healthcare professionals about our initiatives.
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Submit any stories of harm to enhance our understanding.
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Connect with your District Legislative Representative.
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Consider making a donation today to support our mission.
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Share a Nutrition Care Experience
VAND is advocating for licensure to help ensure Virginians can identify and access qualified professionals for MNT services. We are gathering experiences that illustrate how the current regulatory environment affects patient safety, access to care, continuity of services, or the ability to identify qualified practitioners.
Firsthand experiences can help policymakers, stakeholders, and the public understand why clear professional standards matter. With your permission, VAND may use de-identified elements of your experience in legislative testimony, policy discussions, educational materials, website content, social media, and other communications supporting licensure.
Participation is voluntary. Information will be handled in accordance with the consent choices included in the survey, and identifying information will not be shared without your approval. To contribute, complete the Nutrition Care Experience Survey.
Advocacy Resources
View our advocacy resources including previously recorded webinars and our Frequently Asked Question's page
