Senate committee advances bill to license medical nutrition therapy providers after split testimony

The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced House Bill 12 20 on a 6-1 vote after hours of testimony and debate over whether Colorado should license providers who deliver medical nutrition therapy. The measure would create a pathway for dietitians and qualified nutritionists to be licensed for medical nutrition therapy and, sponsors and supporters said, allow them to be credentialed for Medicaid reimbursement.

The bill’s proponents argued licensing would improve patient safety and expand access to medically tailored nutrition services. Zachary Hedden, a registered dietitian with Project Angel Heart, said, “By licensing dietitians, Colorado will be better positioned to meet the growing need for medical nutrition therapy,” and that licensure would help providers secure Medicaid contracts. Michael Ruddock of the Adams County Health Department told the committee local public health agencies rely on dietitians and that allowing licensure “would change that by creating the path to a license and increase access to nutrition…