Dietitians Licensure Act: RSA-326-H
Administrative Rules-Board of Licensed Dietitians (See RSA 326-H:10,I pursuant to 2000, 168:1, effective 1-1-01.)
CDR Verification of Continuing Professional Education Hours for Licensure Purposes
Contact Connie Beliveau, (603) 271-0277,CBeliveau@dhhs.state.nh.us , or use the links above to obtain information on NH Licensure. Please read the frequently asked questions for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: The Board of Licensed Dietitians is offering answers to the following questions to provide guidance to persons needing to be licensed to work in NH. The NH State law requiring all practicing dietitians to be licensed became effective January 1, 2001. Since that time the 5-member board has developed and received approval for all the rules and regulations needed to license dietitians in New Hampshire.
The following material does not constitute legal advice or contain a discussion of all provisions relating to licensing of dietitians. Interested parties should consult provisions of RSA 326-H and the rules adopted by the board.
1. Who needs to be licensed in NH?
Effective January 1, 2001, all dietitians as defined by RSA-326-H must be licensed. The statute does NOT cover those persons exempted under RSA 326-H: 4, including certain nutritionists or diet technicians.
2. What information do I need to complete the application process?
The specific application requirements are set forth in the rules of the Board of Licensed Dietitians. All applicants must submit a completed application, passport type photo, a check for $150 made out to the state of NH, and a letter of verification from CDR. These are sent directly to the board. The request to CDR may be made via e-mail at cdr@eatright.org.
For the dietitians initially registered AFTER December 31, 2000, they must in addition to the above, request a transcript from college/university of the highest relevant degree sent directly to the board AND letter of verification by the internship director sent directly to the board.
Any transcript must be an official transcript sent directly to the Board of Licensed Dietitians in Concord.
3. Where can application materials be obtained?
New Hampshire Board of Licensed Dietitians c/o Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Program Support, 129 Pleasant St., Concord, NH 03301-3857, or call Connie Beliveau (603) 271-0277, CBeliveau@dhhs.state.nh.us or use the links at the top of this page.
4. What if I started working in NH after the initial licensing?
We have mailed notice of the state statute to all hospitals, schools, nursing homes and other employers who we know employ dietitians. It is up to the dietitian to know he/she needs to be licensed in order to work in NH or face potential prosecution. Dietitians cannot work in NH without a license issued by the Board of Licensed Dietitians.
5. What is the cost?
The initial license is $150 for 2 years and the license renewal is $100 for a 2 year period. The renewal materials will be sent to all license holders at least 60 days before expiration of the license. Do NOT wait to renew your license as the board is required to meet quarterly and the Board must review and approve your application before the renewal will be granted.
6. What does the statute say?
There is a link at the top of this page to the Dietitians Licensure Act:RSA-326-H
All the Administative Rules needed to enforce the License Law can be seen at the the link above. It is your responsibility to know the rules.
7. What do I need to renew my license?
For license renewal you must have accrued 20 continuing professional credit hours in the previous 2 years. A listing of the credit hours must be submitted with the renewal form, which will be sent to your address on the original application form, unless it has been changed by the applicant.
8.How do I provide evidence that my continuing education credits meet with CDR approval under the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Professional Development Portfolio system when State Licensure renewal is due mid-portfolio?
It is always helpful to plan ahead. The Board does check for CDR approval or prior approval by our Board on all continuing education activities listed on the renewal form. There are three different ways of ensuring your continuing education efforts will be accepted by the Licensure board.
1. Participate in a program that has prior approval by CDR
2. Request approval from the NH Board of Licensure prior to participating in an activity (that does not have prior approval by CDR) per the procedure described under the "Organizational Rules" link above in section 404.05.
3. Visit the following link CDR Verification of Continuing Professional Education Hours for Licensure Purposes. Complete the State Licensure Verification Worksheet available there, submit it to CDR, and receive back from CDR an official CPE summary statement with a CDR embossed seal. You may submit this summary statement to the NH Board of Licensure with CDR verification of credits. As always, if you have any questions you can contact a Board member for clarification.
9. What are the responsibilities and the make-up of the Board of Licensed Dietitians?
The board is comprised of 4 dietitians and 1 public member and must meet at least quarterly to grant licenses, investigate complaints and discipline dietitians, if needed. The board members are appointed by the governor and the Executive Council for a three-year term and may serve up to two terms.
10. What happens if I am working as a dietitian and do not obtain a license?
If the dietitian is not exempted from the statute, the case may be investigated and prosecuted. It is a class B misdemeanor for any unlicensed person to use any title that contains the word dietitian or use the abbreviation LD.
11. What if I move and continue to work in NH?
It is the responsibility of the licensee to notify the board of any changes in job location, home office, name or other information on the application form within 30 days OF THE CHANGE.
12. What if I move and do not work in NH?
Notify the Board that you will not be renewing your license.
