AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DIETITIAN/NUTRITIONIST LICENSURE ACT.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Frank Cooke and 4 co-sponsors

HB 449 would revise Delaware's dietitian/nutritionist licensure rules, including eligibility, scope of practice, and renewal processes.

Passed By House. Votes: 41 YES

Summary of HB 449 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose and intent

HB 449 proposes amendments to Title 24 of the Delaware Code governing the licensure and regulation of dietitians and nutritionists. The bill aims to modify existing provisions related to the Dietitian/Nutritionist Licensure Act, establishing changes that policymakers believe will affect who may practice as a licensed dietitian/nutritionist, how licensure is obtained or renewed, and how the licensure program is administered.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by bill title and context)

Revisions to licensure framework: The bill would revise requirements for licensure under the Dietitian/Nutritionist Licensure Act. This could include changes to eligibility criteria, credentialing standards, and professional qualifications necessary to practice.

Scope of practice adjustments: It may redefine or clarify the scope of practice for licensed dietitians and nutritionists, potentially affecting activities such as medical nutrition therapy, diet planning, and related nutritional counseling.

Administrative and regulatory updates: The bill is likely to address administrative processes for licensure, including application procedures, fees, renewal timelines, and continuing education requirements.

Sunset Committee reference: The bill was introduced and assigned to the Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability) in the House, indicating that it may undergo review for efficiency, governance, and potential sunset provisions or periodic evaluation.

Who is affected

Prospective and current licensed dietitians and nutritionists in Delaware who are or will be subject to the Dietitian/Nutritionist Licensure Act.

Employers and facilities that employ or contract with licensed practitioners (hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, public health entities) may be affected by any changes to licensure requirements, scope of practice, or renewal procedures.

Applicants and educators/providers of dietetics/nutrition education who prepare individuals for licensure.

Procedural and timeline notes

Action history shows: Introduced on 2026-06-04 and assigned to the Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability) in the House.

Assignment to the Sunset Committee suggests the bill will undergo policy, fiscal, and governance review, with potential recommendations on continuation, modification, or sunset timing.

As a sunset-committee bill, there may be an emphasis on evaluating program performance, consumer protection, cost implications, and legislative efficiency.

Potential impact and considerations

Public protection: Changes could strengthen or clarify licensure requirements to protect the public from unqualified practice.

Workforce implications: Updates to licensure criteria or continuing education could affect the supply of licensed professionals, including transition provisions for current practitioners.

Access and cost: Fee changes or renewed licensing processes could influence applicant burden and ongoing regulatory costs for practitioners and employers.

Implementation timing: If new requirements are introduced, stakeholders will need clear implementation dates, transition provisions for current licensees, and guidance from the regulatory authority.

Note: The summary above is based on the bill’s title, action history, and typical scope of Dietitian/Nutritionist Licensure Act amendments. For precise statutory language, specific provision-by-provision changes, and fiscal impact, the bill text and committee analyses should be consulted when available.