On April 10th, the Senate passed their version of the Boards and Commissions bill (SF 2385), which would eliminate dietetics licensure. This is very concerning as it would negatively impact:
- Public protection against harmful nutrition care by unqualified nutrition practitioners
- The ability of dietitians to lawfully practice medical nutrition therapy in Iowa – significantly impacting the provision of timely, qualified nutrition care across the state
- Access to nutrition care - licensure enables health insurers and the Iowa’s Medicaid program to identify and credential qualified providers
- The ability for Iowa dietitians to participate in the Dietitian Licensure Compact, which would streamline dietitians’ ability to provide nutrition care across state lines. This is huge as 46 states (including MI, which just passed a bill licensing dietitians) require dietitians to be licensed or certified.
As the House moves forward on actions regarding the Boards and Commissions bill, ask that your Representative holds firm in voting against any version of the bill that eliminates dietetics licensure in Iowa.