Bill
HB 2070
The Dietitian Licensure Compact lets licensed dietitians practice across member states via a compact privilege, simplifying multi-state work and telehealth while preserving safety.
Status & Procedural Notes
- Bill number: HB 2070. Introduced: January 24, 2025. Hearing: Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 8:30 AM (Room 142‑S).
- Sponsor(s): Rep. Amy Elik (primary), Rep. David Friess (co‑sponsor listed). Requested on behalf of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.
- Committee activity: Amended and reported by Health & Human Services in committee documents. Fiscal note submitted January 30, 2025. The Compact has been enacted in 4 states (AL, NE, OH, TN) and becomes active once 7 states enact it.
Purpose and Intent
- Establish an interstate licensure compact (the Dietitian Licensure Compact) to facilitate multistate practice of dietetics, improve public access to dietetic services (including via telehealth), reduce the need for multiple state licenses, and support portability for active duty military members and spouses — while preserving each state’s regulatory authority to protect public health and safety.
Key Provisions and Requirements
- Definitions: Establishes core terms (e.g., “compact privilege,” “home state,” “remote state,” “registered dietitian,” “practice of dietetics”).
- Compact Privilege: Authorizes qualifying licensed dietitians to practice in other member states via a compact privilege equivalent to a license in remote states while aligning renewal and continuing‑education requirements to the home state.
- Home State and Single License Rule: A licensee may have only one “home state” license at a time; procedures are included for changing home state when relocating.
- State Participation Obligations:
- Must license dietitians and have complaint/investigative mechanisms.
- Participate fully in the Compact Commission’s data system.
- Notify the Commission of adverse actions and provide investigative information.
- Implement criminal history checks including FBI fingerprint submission for Compact licensees.
- May charge fees for granting compact privileges.
- Adverse Actions & Enforcement:
- Remote states may take action against a compact privilege (suspension, revocation, cease‑and‑desist), but only the home state may act on the underlying home‑state license.
- Member states must report investigation conclusions promptly; joint investigations are authorized.
- The Compact is enforceable through the judicial branch; member states agree to cooperate in enforcement.
- Compact Governance:
- Creates the Dietitian Licensure Compact Commission (an interstate instrumentality) to adopt rules, operate a coordinated data system, levy annual assessments on member states, impose fines on licensees, and produce annual financial reports.
- Commission and its officials are granted qualified immunity/defense/indemnity (except for intentional misconduct).
Fiscal/Operational Impact
- Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) estimates revenue reduction of approximately $66,000 per year beginning FY2026 (based on fewer biannual renewal and reciprocity application fees once the Compact privilege is available).
- Judicial Branch: Office of Judicial Administration notes potential increase in district court filings because the Compact is enforceable in state courts — fiscal impact on court expenditures is uncertain; some docket fee revenue could be collected and deposited to the State General Fund.
- Other impacts: Licensing boards will need to integrate with the Commission’s data system, perform fingerprint/FBI background checks for compact applicants, and adjust administrative processes.
Who Is Affected
- Licensed dietitians (RDs/RDNs) — greater ability to practice across member states, including via telehealth.
- State licensing boards and KDADS — required to participate in data reporting, background checks, and possible administrative changes.
- Patients — potential increased access to dietetic services.
- Active duty military personnel and spouses — explicit provision for designating and retaining a home state for licensure portability.
- Courts — potential increase in enforcement‑related filings.
Activation & Next Steps
- The Compact will become operational nationally once enacted by seven states. Kansas enactment would make Kansas a member state and subject the state to Commission rules and assessments upon activation. Effective dates and implementation details will depend on the bill’s final passage and Commission rulemaking.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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