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HB 1185

Athletic trainers.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Bartels

House Bill 1185 allows dietitians to practice across state lines in Arkansas, improving access to services and job opportunities, especially for rural residents and military families.

Authored by Representative Bartels
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Bill Summary · HB 1185

Summary of House Bill 1185: Relating to Agriculture

Bill Number: HB 1185
Introduced: January 21, 2025
Status: Deferred by the Committee on HRE
Classification: Bill
Subject: Appropriation ($), Plant-based Building Materials Working Group, UHCTAHR

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1185 aims to adopt the Dietitian Licensure Compact in Arkansas. This compact is designed to facilitate the interstate practice of dietetics, thereby improving public access to dietetic services while maintaining state regulatory authority over dietitian licensure.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments and provisions:

  1. Licensure Compact Commission: Establishes a framework for Arkansas to join the Dietitian Licensure Compact, allowing licensed dietitians to practice across state lines without needing multiple licenses.

  2. Qualifications for Licensure:

    • Applicants must have a degree from an accredited institution in nutrition or dietetics.
    • Completion of a supervised preprofessional experience of at least 900 hours.
    • Passing a board-defined examination or providing evidence of current registration as a registered dietitian.

  3. Criminal Background Checks:

    • All applicants for licensure under the compact must undergo state and national criminal background checks, including fingerprinting.
    • The Arkansas Dietetics Licensing Board will receive and manage this information while ensuring confidentiality.

  4. Compact Privilege:

    • Licensed dietitians from member states can practice in Arkansas without obtaining a separate Arkansas license, provided they meet the compact's requirements.

  5. Regulatory Authority:

    • The compact preserves the regulatory authority of Arkansas to protect public health and safety while enhancing the ability to regulate multistate practice.

Impact

  • Dietitians: The bill will primarily affect licensed dietitians in Arkansas and those from other states wishing to practice in Arkansas, simplifying the licensure process and expanding job opportunities.
  • Public Access: The compact aims to increase public access to dietetic services, particularly beneficial for residents in rural areas where dietetic services may be limited.
  • Military Families: The legislation also supports active military members and their spouses by facilitating easier access to dietetic services across state lines.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 21, 2025: Bill introduced.
  • February 27, 2025: The bill was reported correctly engrossed and placed on second reading for amendments.
  • April 14, 2025: Passed third reading in both the House and Senate.
  • April 17, 2025: Notification that HB 1185 is now Act 799.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 1185, detailing its purpose, key provisions, potential impacts, and procedural history to inform stakeholders and the public about its significance in the field of dietetics and public health.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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