Tennessee legislation · 114th General Assembly
Tennessee SB2579: AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 63, relative to dietetics and nutrition.
Status: Chaptered, May 26, 2026
Fiscal Summary STATE GOVERNMENTREVENUEBoard of Dietitian and Nutritionist Examiners FY26-27$272,100FY27-28 & Subsequent Years$211,000 EXPENDITURESBoard of Dietitian and Nutritionist ExaminersFY26-27$272,100FY27-28 & Subsequent Years$211,000Total Positions Required: 2 Bill Summary Present law prohibits a person from engaging in the practice of dietetics/nutrition, or to use letters or a title indicating or implying that such a person is a licensed dietician/nutritionist, unless such person holds a license and complies with the rules. This bill clarifies that, generally, only a licensed dietician or licensed nutritionist may provide services that constitute medical nutrition therapy. Further, this bill makes a violation of such prohibition a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment up to 11 months 29 days; a fine of $2,500 or less; or both. However, this prohibition on medical nutrition therapy does not apply to a person licensed to practice medicine or osteopathic medicine. Further, this bill does not limit or restrict any of the following: A person qualified and licensed to practice another health profession from engaging in the practice of medical nutrition therapy when incidental to the practice of that profession. A student or trainee from engaging in the practice of medical nutrition therapy, as long as the student or trainee (i) practices as part of a course of study or as part of a planned, continuous supervised practice experience; (ii) practices no more than five years after completing the education requirements; (iii) practices only while supervised by a qualified supervisor; (iv) does not engage in the unrestricted practice of medical nutrition therapy; and (v) uses a title that clearly indicates the student or trainee is a student, intern, trainee, or supervisee. A dietician or nutritionist
What the bill says
From the amended text:
House Finance, Ways, and Means 1 Amendment No. 2 to HB2029 Hicks G Signature of Sponsor AMEND S e n ate Bill No. 2579 House Bill No. 2029* by deleting all language after the enacting clause and substituting: SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 4-29-249(a)(7), is amended by deleting the subdivision and SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 25, Part 1, is amended by deleting the part and substituting: 63-25-101. Short title. This part is known and may be cited as the "Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Act." 63-25-102. Legislative findings. The general assembly finds and declares that: (1) The application of scientific knowledge relating to food is important in the treatment of illness and disease and the attainment and maintenance of health; (2) There are currently no clear means for the public to identify the qualifications of a person providing dietetic services and nutritional care for infants, children, pregnant females, elderly persons, poor persons, overweight persons, chronically and terminally ill persons, and fitness enthusiasts; (3) Consumers and patients are becoming increasingly concerned about their diets and nutrition as well as the effectiveness of the information and services being offered to the public; HA1068 (4) In order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, it is necessary to define the qualifications and requirements for a person practicing as …