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1999 SESSION

999057755
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 430
Offered January 21, 1999
Requesting the Board of Health Professions to study whether dietitians and nutritionists in Virginia should be licensed.
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Patrons-- Watkins, Colgan, Couric, Edwards, Gartlan, Holland, Houck, Howell, Marye, Miller, Y.B., Quayle, Reynolds, Saslaw, Stosch, Ticer, Williams and Woods; Delegates: Baker, Bloxom, Callahan, Councill, Darner, DeBoer, Diamonstein, Dillard, Guest, Harris, Keating, Melvin, Parrish, Tate, Thomas and Van Yahres
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, dietitians and nutritionists work in a variety of settings which touch on many segments of the population, making them a vital part of a multidisciplinary medical team; and

WHEREAS, after years of voluminous research illustrating the direct effects of diet and nutrition on one’s physical and mental condition, the role of dietitians and nutritionists has become increasingly more significant to the health and well-being of the citizens of this Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, dietitians and nutritionists are vital components of the effective provision of health care to the citizens of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, out of concern for the health, safety, and welfare of their citizens, 39 states have enacted laws that regulate dietitians and nutritionists; and

WHEREAS, in Virginia, the persons holding themselves out to be or advertising or permitting advertising to hold themselves out to be dietitians and nutritionists are required pursuant to Chapter 27.1 (§ 54.1-2730 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia to have certain credentials, but Virginia does not require licensure and regulation of dietitians; and

WHEREAS, every state contiguous to Virginia requires persons who practice this health profession to be licensed; and

WHEREAS, the lack of licensure requirements for dietitians and nutritionists in Virginia may create a dangerous situation wherein individuals without the detailed knowledge and experience required for expert practice of this profession could cause serious harm to the health of Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Board of Health Professions be requested to study whether dietitians and nutritionists should be licensed by the Commonwealth.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Board of Health Professions, upon request.

The Board of Health Professions shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2000 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.