Alabama Administrative Code Title 282 - Alabama Board of Examiners for Dietetics/Nutrition Practice
The Alabama Administrative Code, Title 282, is dedicated to the Alabama Board of Examiners for Dietetics/Nutrition Practice. This Board is the state regulatory body that governs the practice of dietetics and nutrition in Alabama. Its primary purpose, as stated in the Alabama Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act of 1989, is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by providing for the licensing and regulation of individuals engaged in these professions.
Alabama operates as an "Exclusive Scope of Practice" state for dietetics/nutrition. This means that generally, only a person licensed or otherwise authorized by this Act shall practice dietetics/nutrition or provide nutrition care services or use the titles "dietitian/nutritionist," "dietitian," "nutritionist," "Licensed Dietitian," "Licensed Nutritionist," or the abbreviations "L.D." or "L.N."
Key Areas of Regulation under Title 282:
The rules under Title 282 cover a comprehensive range of topics for the licensure and professional conduct of dietitians and nutritionists. These are typically organized into various chapters (e.g., 282-X-1, 282-X-2, etc.).
Here's a breakdown of the common areas of regulation:
Chapter 282-X-1 - Organization:
Outlines the Board's legal authority, purpose, and administrative structure.
Details the composition of the Board (two licensed dietitians/nutritionists and one layperson appointed by the Governor).
Describes the duties of the Board, including promulgating rules, adopting a code of ethics, determining applicant qualifications, issuing/revoking licenses, handling complaints, and imposing penalties.
Chapter 282-X-2 - Definitions:
Provides clear definitions of terms used in the practice act and rules, including "dietetics/nutrition," "nutrition care services," "licensed dietitian/nutritionist," and other relevant terms.
Defines the scope of practice for licensed dietitians/nutritionists, which includes:
Assessing the nutritional needs of individuals and groups.
Establishing priorities, goals, and objectives that meet nutritional needs.
Providing nutrition counseling in health and disease.
Developing, implementing, and managing nutrition care systems.
Evaluating, changing, and maintaining appropriate standards of quality in food and nutrition services.
Chapter 282-X-3 - Exemptions:
Specifies individuals or activities that are exempt from the licensure requirements. Common exemptions include:
Dietetic technicians practicing under supervision.
Students in approved dietetics/nutrition programs under supervision.
Dietitians/nutritionists in the armed forces, federal government, or cooperative extension system.
Duly licensed health professionals providing nutrition information incidental to their profession (as long as they don't hold themselves out as licensed dietitians/nutritionists).
Government employees or certified teachers discharging official duties.
Persons with management responsibility for food service departments (e.g., hospital food service managers/directors, child nutrition program managers), provided they don't represent themselves as licensed dietitians/nutritionists.
Persons furnishing general nutritional information on food, food materials, or dietary supplements, or explaining food products to customers, without holding themselves out as licensed dietitians or nutritionists.
Persons providing weight control services, provided the program has been reviewed by a licensed dietitian/nutritionist and consultation is available.
Chapter 282-X-4 - Examinations:
Outlines the requirements for the examination, typically the national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) for Registered Dietitians (RD/RDN). Passing this exam is a prerequisite for licensure.
Chapter 282-X-5 - Issuance and Renewal of Licensure:
Details the application process for initial licensure, including educational qualifications (e.g., a bachelor's degree or higher from an ACEND-accredited program with a major in specific fields like human nutrition, dietetics, or food systems management), supervised practice experience (at least 900 hours, usually through an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship), and passing the CDR examination.
Continuing Education Requirements: For license renewal, licensees must maintain continuing education requirements, typically 30 hours biennially (every two years) through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) or as otherwise approved by the Board. These hours cannot be carried over to the next period.
Procedures for license renewal, reinstatement, and fees.
Chapter 282-X-6 - Licensure Requirements:
Reiterates that only licensed individuals may practice dietetics/nutrition or use protected titles.
Requires displaying the license at the workplace.
Chapter 282-X-7 - Code of Ethics/Professional Conduct:
Establishes the ethical guidelines and standards of professional conduct for all licensees, designed to protect the public. This would cover areas like confidentiality, professional boundaries, competence, advertising, and prohibited acts.
Chapter 282-X-8 - Penalties/Disciplinary Actions:
Outlines the grounds for disciplinary action against licensees (e.g., unprofessional conduct, violations of the Act or Board rules).
Details the process for investigation, hearings, and the types of penalties the Board can impose (e.g., fines, suspension, revocation of license).
How to Access Alabama Administrative Code, Title 282:
The most authoritative and up-to-date sources for the Alabama Administrative Code are:
Alabama Legislative Services Agency - Administrative Code: This is the official online portal for the Alabama Administrative Code.
Website: https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/administrative-code/
From the agency list, select "282 - Alabama Board of Examiners for Dietetics/Nutrition Practice". This will provide access to all the chapters.
Alabama Board of Examiners for Dietetics/Nutritionists Official Website: The Board's official website is an excellent resource for current information, including direct links to their rules and regulations, application forms, continuing education details, and contact information.
Website: https://boed.alabama.gov/ (Look for "Rules and Regulations" or "Forms and Publications").
Legal Information Institute (LII) at Cornell Law School / Justia: These legal research websites also compile and provide access to state administrative codes.
LII: https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/alabama/title-282
Justia: https://regulations.justia.com/states/alabama/title-282/
Key Considerations:
Official Source: Always rely on the Alabama Legislative Services Agency website and the Board's official website for the most accurate and current version of the rules.
Updates: Administrative rules are subject to change. Always ensure you are checking the latest effective dates, especially concerning licensing and continuing education requirements.
Statutory Basis: These administrative rules implement the broader Code of Alabama, Title 34, Chapter 34A (Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act of 1989). The statutes provide the legal framework, and the administrative rules fill in the operational details.
Public Safety: The core focus of these regulations is to ensure that dietetics and nutrition services are provided by qualified professionals in a safe, competent, and ethical manner, thereby protecting the public from unqualified practitioners.
Specific Questions: For any specific legal interpretations or advice regarding licensure, disciplinary actions, scope of practice, or compliance with these rules, it is strongly recommended to consult with a legal professional or contact the Alabama Board of Examiners for Dietetics/Nutrition Practice directly.
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