House panel clears bill licensing dietitians and qualified nutritionists for medical nutrition therapy

The House Finance Committee voted to refer House Bill 12‑20, a measure to license dietitians and qualified nutritionists for medical nutrition therapy (MNT), to the Committee on Appropriations with a favorable recommendation after debate and amendment.

Supporters including registered dietitians, board‑certified nutritionists (CNS), public‑health officials and local public health agencies told the committee licensure will enable dietitians and qualified nutritionists to bill insurance, improve patient access to evidence‑based nutrition therapy, and allow providers to work “at the top of their scope.” Several witnesses described personal or professional cases where patients could not access nutrition care without licensure and insurance reimbursement.

Opponents included representatives from the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)/COPPER sunrise office and organizations representing holistic and alternative nutrition practitioners. DORA testified that its Sunrise review found limited evidence of harm attributable to unregulated nutrition practice and recommended against licensure as written. DORA staff and COPPER said only one of the reported harms in submissions related directly to dietitians and nutritionists, and they urged caution because Colorado’s statutory Sunrise criteria focus on demonstrated harm and whether regulation is the least‑cost effective way to protect the public.

Witnesses on both sides described significant workforce and access implications. Supporters argued that most other states (46 states) license dietitians and that Colorado’s lack of licensure limits Medicaid reimbursement and interstate reciprocity; opponents warned that a broad statutory definition of “medical nutrition therapy” could restrict consumer choice and impede existing holistic nutrition businesses that provide wellness services but not disease‑specific MNT.

Committee sponsors presented amendment L6 to clarify exemptions and confirm that board‑certified holistic nutrition professionals remain able to provide preventive and wellness services that do not constitute MNT; the committee adopted the amendment. The committee then voted to move HB12‑20 to Appropriations with a recorded committee vote (10‑3).

Supporters said the measure brings Colorado in line with other states and would increase access to MNT for patients—especially Medicaid beneficiaries—by creating a licensing path and regulatory board. Opponents urged either stronger exemptions for wellness practitioners or reliance on existing consumer‑protection statutes and the Natural Health Consumer Protection Act.

The bill as amended moves to Appropriations; the Department of Regulatory Agencies provided a fiscal note showing startup costs for a regulatory program and indicated fees would be set to cover ongoing administration.