Important Advocacy UpdateSouth Carolina Registered and Licensed Dietitians: Please take a few minutes to learn more about House Bill 3515, our initial response, and ways you can help. Background: Assigned to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry, House Bill 3515 also known as the “Entrepreneur Freedom Act” is threatening our current dietetic licensure which serves to help consumers identify who is qualified to provide dietetics and nutrition services. If passed, this bill could not only eliminate the licensing of registered dietitians, but also social workers, speech and language pathologists, audiologists, psychologists, psycho-education specialists, and teacher qualifications among several others. We must take action to prevent this bill from gaining support. How are we responding? The SC Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (SCAND) Public Policy Committee met on Tuesday, January 24th with the Academy’s Director of Consumer Protection and Licensure and legal consultant to discuss immediate next steps. As advised, our Policy Committee members are in the process of contacting the bill sponsors (Jordan Pace, Matthew Leber, Josiah Magnuson, and Stewart Jones)* to educate them about the role of a Registered Dietitian and the importance of licensure as it relates to consumer protection. We are also calling on you to help! How can you help? Please start by contacting your representative and make it known that you OPPOSE H3515. To find your state representative, visit: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/legislatorssearch.php. Please emphasize that LICENSED dietitians are required to meet vigorous education standards, complete ongoing professional training, and adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. Repealing licensure will be harmful to consumers who may seek medical nutrition therapy from unqualified professionals. For additional talking points, please refer to the resources below. Additional Resources:
*To contact the bill sponsors:
SCAND will continue to provide updates and guidance. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions. Sincerely, Stephanie Nielsen, SCAND President, and the SCAND Public Policy Committee
RD Practice Area and Interests SurveyVirtual Career Presentations: Becoming a Nutrition ProfessionalOrganizations, schools and other groups may request a presentation for high school students, college students with undecided majors, and college students in the dietetic field. This presentation will be given by a SCAND Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador. Complete the information request form here.
The South Carolina Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsSCAND is an affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Today SCAND has about 700 credentialed practitioners committed to positively impacting the health and well-being of South Carolinians through food and nutrition. Our vision is a state where all people thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition. IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) Updates2023 Diet Manual
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