Regulation of Medical Nutrition Therapy
The legislative move towards regulating medical nutrition therapy is expected to address significant risks posed by unqualified practitioners, including the provision of inadequate care. By enforcing licensure requirements, the bill seeks to promote equitable access to qualified nutrition services, particularly for underserved communities in Colorado. Additionally, it aims to improve the utilization of registered dietitians within health care settings and ensure that care delivered is both safe and effective.
House Bill 1220 proposes the establishment of a regulatory framework for medical nutrition therapy in Colorado, which includes the creation of a state board of dietetics and nutrition. This board will oversee the licensing of dietitians and nutritionists and ensure that individuals providing medical nutrition therapy meet specific educational and professional standards. The bill specifies that after September 1, 2026, no individual may engage in medical nutrition therapy without receiving a license from this board, aiming to enhance the quality of nutrition care provided to the population.
While proponents of HB 1220 argue that it will lead to improved health outcomes and accountability within the nutrition field, there may be concerns regarding the potential burden placed on new practitioners due to licensure requirements. Critics might argue that the regulatory framework could limit the availability of nutrition care services during the transition period, especially in remote or rural areas where access to licensed professionals could be scarce. Furthermore, the bill has provisions for recurrent review and potential repeal set for September 1, 2035, which might add to the concerns surrounding long-term stability in the profession.