SB 173 - This act provides for the licensing of dietitians and for the registration of health care professionals who are engaged in dietetics practice.

No person shall represent himself or herself to be a dietitian or to practice as a dietitian in Missouri unless validly licensed under the provisions of this act.

Any person who wishes to obtain a license as a dietitian must apply to the Division of Professional Registration and pay an application fee of one hundred dollars. The applicant must have a baccalaureate or postbaccalaureate degree from a recognized institution with a major course of study approved by the Division.

In addition, the applicant must have completed an internship, coordinated undergraduate program or professional experience program approved by the Division, have passed an examination approved by the Division or hold a valid license or certificate as a licensed or registered dietitian issued by a state with which the Division of Professional Registration has a reciprocity agreement.

A license will be valid for two years from the date of issue and may be reviewed at the end of that time by registering with the Division and paying a registration fee of one hundred dollars.

Provisions are included for reinstating an expired license and for a nonrenewable temporary license for an applicant who has the required college degree, who has completed the internship, but who has not yet taken the required examination. The act also has provisions covering the Division's refusal to issue a license and the surrender of a license.

The "Missouri Advisory Committee of Registered Dietitians" is created by this act. The Committee shall consist of seven members to be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. After the initial appointment for staggered terms, appointment will be for four years. No member may serve more than two consecutive four year terms. Specific requirements for Board members are included, as are specific duties for the Board.

All fees payable under this act shall be deposited in the Missouri Health Care Providers' Fund (Section 334.745, RSMo). These moneys shall be used to administer the provisions of this act.
OTTO FAJEN

SCA 1 - REMOVES LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR PRACTICE AS A DIETICIAN.