FAQs / Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practices

What is the purpose of the Board?
How was the Board created?

In 1994, the Minnesota legislature, recognizing that the practice of dietetics and nutrition affects the public welfare, passed a law that provided for state licensing and regulation of dietitians and nutritionists. The law also provided that a board consisting of licensed dietitians and nutritionists, as well as public members, would be responsible for carrying out these functions.
Who sits on the Board, and who chooses the Board members?

The Board consists of seven members appointed by the governor. Two members must be licensed dietitians, two are licensed nutritionists, and two of the three public members must be either consumers of nutrition care services or people who provide care to individuals who use those services. The term of appointment is four years. A person may not be appointed to serve more than two consecutive terms.
What does the Board do?

The Board has several specific duties to fulfill in order to serve its function of protecting the public. These duties are spelled out in statutes, and the Board is limited in its authority by these statutes. The Boards authority extends to those who seek licensure as a dietitian or nutritionist and those who are licensed as a dietitian or nutritionist. Its two primary duties are:

(1) Licensure. The Board assures that individuals who wish to obtain a license to practice dietetics or nutrition in Minnesota are competent and fit to do so. It does this by reviewing and evaluating applications to make sure an applicant meets the criteria for safe practice that have been established by the legislature and listed in statute.

(2) Discipline. Once the Board licenses an individual, he or she must practice in a safe, competent and ethical manner or face disciplinary action from the Board.
What, if anything, can the Board do about individuals who are practicing dietetics or nutrition without a license?

The Board does not have the same kind of authority or power over individuals who are not licensed by or seeking licensure from the Board. However, this does not mean that there is nothing that can be done about unlicensed practice that violates the law. When the Board receives a complaint that an individual is engaging in dietetics or nutrition practice without a license, the Board typically makes the following inquiries and may take the following steps:

(1) Does the unlicensed practice fit within one of the exceptions allowed under the law?

The legislature has outlined several circumstances under which individuals may practice dietetics or nutrition without a license (see Minnesota Statutes section 148.632). If the individual fits within one of these categories (e.g., a person employed by a school who does not call themselves a dietitian or nutritionist and whose activities are within the scope of their job), neither the Board, nor anyone else has a legal basis for acting against that personand#61501;s practice.

(2) Is the person licensed by another board (e.g., the Board of Nursing)?

If the person is licensed by one of the other professional boards, and the dietetics or nutrition practice is not incidental to the practice of the persons profession (incidental practice is one of the exceptions allowed under the law), the Board would most likely refer the complaint to the licensing board or boards who have jurisdiction. By doing so, the Board relinquishes control over resolution of the matter to the board that has authority and jurisdiction over the licensees practice. The licensee may have an obligation to cooperate with an investigation of the board under which they are licensed that they would not have with this Board, and the ramifications for wrongdoing may be greater and swifter under action by the board they are licensed by than by this Board. The disadvantage is that this Board, then, does not have control over the outcome.

(3) Is this case appropriate to refer to the County Attorneys office and/or for the Board to seek injunctive action in district court?

Regardless of whether the individual is licensed by another board, this Board always has two options available to it when presented with unlawful dietetics/nutrition practice without a license: (1) it can refer the matter to the County Attorneys office for prosecution, and/or (2) it can ask the district court to issue an injunction (i.e., an order from the court telling the person to stop the unlawful practice). If referred to the County Attorneys office, the case is once again out of the hands of the Board; the County Attorney has discretion to decide whether or not to pursue the matter. Similarly, the Board can seek injunctive action from the district court, but whether or not it is granted will depend on whether there is evidence available to prove to the judge that the practice is occurring and is unlawful.

I recently changed my last name. What’s the process for updating the records for BDNP?

We need validation of your name change. This documentation need only be a photocopy of the document changing your name, i.e. marriage license/certificate, divorce decree. Fax, scan and email, or mail the copy to the Board office. There is no fee for this service. Your name will be updated in the database. During renewals it is best to send in the name change documents first and then renew once the name change has occurred in the database. Your renewal certificate will be issued in your new name.
I was timed out while online and now I can’t get back in. Now what?

Due to online security measures, the secure line used for financial transactions will andlsquo;time you out, if you do not have a key stroke for ten minutes, leave the application, or any other security steps used by the IT team. If this happens and the system does not allow you to log back in, you will need to wait until 9:30 AM the following day for the system to be andlsquo;reset. Again, this is for security reasons.
What is a notarized photocopy of my current CDR card?

Make a photocopy of your current registration card from the Commission of Dietetic Registration. Take the photocopy and the original card to a Notary Public to have them notarize your signature on the photocopy. You can find Notaries at most banks or government agencies.
What is the OET Surcharge?

The Minnesota Office of Enterprise Technology sponsored and the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation in 2009 requiring a 10% surcharge of no less than $5.00 and no more than $150 on EACH business, commercial, professional, or occupational license. The funding from the surcharge will go to OET, which will establish an electronic licensing system for the state. The fees are collected by the board and forwarded to OET.

THIS SURCHARGE IS NOT A LICENSE FEE, HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BOARD OF DIETETICS AND NUTRITION PRACTICE, AND IS NOT MANAGED BY THE BOARD EXCEPT FOR ITS COLLECTION.

How many CE hours do I have recorded?

You may access your record by entering the website at www.dieteticsnutritionboard.state.mn.us and log in. You will see the number of CEU's already entered. You may enter them throughout the three year CE cycle. If you were licensed prior to the beginning of the CE cycle you are required to have 45 CEU's earned between December 1, 2015 and November 30, 2018. Continuing Education is pro-rated if you are licensed within the three year cycle: First year - 30 CEU's, second year - 15 CEU's and third year - exempt.
I want to update my CE and renew my license. What's the best way?

Licensee Log-In

Apply for a Licensure

Verify a License

File a Complaint

HPSP

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About the Board

License Information

Continuing Education