Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Occupational Licensing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears dietitian compact; presenters say it improves access and portability
Summary
The Public Health and Welfare Committee heard House Bill 2070 to create an interstate Dietitian Licensure Compact. Supporters said it would improve access to dietetic services and help military spouses; one written opponent raised work-eligibility concerns that witnesses addressed in questioning.
The Public Health and Welfare Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 2070, which would enact an interstate licensure compact allowing credentialed dietitians to provide services across member states under compact privileges.
Jenna, committee staff and bill presenter, described the compact’s purpose as facilitating interstate practice of dietetics to improve public access to dietetic services. She summarized definitions, member-state participation criteria, licensee eligibility requirements, provisions for designating a home state (including special rules for active-duty military and their spouses), disciplinary and adverse-action processes, the establishment of a Dietitian Licensure Compact Commission, a coordinated data system, rulemaking authority, and the commission’s dispute-resolution procedures.
Jenna said the commission becomes effective when seven states adopt the compact and noted that, as of January, four states had passed the dietitian compact. Lieutenant Colonel Keith Marshall of the Adjutant General’s Department testified in support, reiterating the compact’s benefit for military families and licensure portability under the 2023 Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act. William Wilk of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce also offered proponent testimony.
Committee member Senator Clifford questioned the witness about written opponent testimony that raised a concern the compact could allow someone not eligible to work in the U.S. to practice. William Wilk responded that a practitioner must first obtain a home-state license, and that obtaining a state license typically requires lawful work authorization or citizenship under state licensing procedures. Senator Clifford acknowledged that explanation.
The committee closed the hearing on House Bill 2070 without taking final action. Committee leadership said compact bills will be scheduled for further work and possible final action at upcoming sessions.
