RD Licensure

Please click on link to view the RD Licensure Bill

MARCH 2011 DIETETICS LICENSURE UPDATE

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

In 2007 the American Dietetic Association contacted WDA to encourage us to pursue licensure. At that time Wyoming was one of four states without some sort of licensure or certification.

In April 2010 at the annual WDA Conference in Casper the topic was presented for the board and association members who were present voted to pursue introducing a licensure bill for dietitians in the State of Wyoming during the 2011 General Legislative Session. Communication about possible licensure with WDA members started in 2007 and was first presented to the membership at the 2009 annual conference, an interim phone survey was conducted on the topic in the fall of 2009, along with numerous Range Rider articles and again at the 2010 conference. An email was sent to WDA members asking for interest in forming a licensure committee, 10 members responded with interest and 7 agreed to be on the committee. A lobbyist was hired and drafting of our licensure bill started taking shape using ADA’s Model Practice Act. Ground work was done to communicate our efforts with any associations/professions that may have been opposed. Bill sponsors were obtained from October through January and our bill was introduced on the Senate Floor as SF 93 Dietetics Licensure and was signed by Governor Mead on March 3rd, 2011.

In debate about pursuing licensure, members of the Wyoming Dietetic Association believe this is a necessary step to protect our profession and the public. As health care reform evolves, it likely will include parameters specifying licensed professionals. By establishing state licensure, we have started to position Wyoming RDs to meet those criteria.

NOW WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Per bill language Dietetics Licensure will go into effect July 1st, 2011 at which time the board, consisting of two RD’s and one member of the public, appointed by Governor Mead will start writing the rules and regulations. It will also be during this time that the board will determine the fee.

Cost of licensure has been a concern expressed by dietitians. The best guess estimate presented to members was approximately $105 annually.  This still remains an estimate. It is difficult to compare Wyoming’s licensure fees to other states licensure fees, primarily because the number of registered dietitians in Wyoming is less than most states.

July 1, 2012 is the first date that RD’s would be required to be licensed but this depends on how long it takes to write and approve the rules and regulations.

Licensure is not related to membership in a dietetic association. It will be the right to practice in the State of Wyoming. So, all registered dietitians that practice in Wyoming will be required to be licensed.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

There is no action step that needs to be taken by each RD at this time.

However, the Professional Licensing Board will require two RDs to serve. The RDs who serve on the Dietetics’ Licensure Board which will be housed under the Professional Licensing Board, a part of the state’s Administration and Information agency, and will be directed by Veronika Skoranski, please note that the formation of this board is completely separate from WDA. If you are interested please submit your name and resume to the committee at: WyomingDieteticAssociation@gmail.com.

The Licensing Board also requires one member of the public to serve at large. If you have any recommendations please forward their information to the address above.

We will continue to provide information and updates. Please watch for these updates on the rules and regulation process as input from RD’s may be needed. Updates and the bill can soon be found on the WDA website at www.wyomingdieteticassociation.com  and will be communicated as necessary by email, phone or mail.

Thank you for your interest and support!