HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL 2025 Regular Session HOUSE BILL NO. 399 BY REPRESENTATIVE CHENEVERT Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana. DIETITIANS: Provides with respect to the profession of dietetics and dieticians 1 AN ACT 2To enact Part II of Chapter 41 of Title 37 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, to be 3 comprised of R.S. 37:3095.1, relative to the Dietitian Licensure Compact; to 4 establish the purpose of the compact; to identify objectives of the compact; to 5 provide for definitions; to establish procedures for the issuance of a compact 6 privilege; to establish the Dietitian Licensure Compact Commission; to provide for 7 member state licensing authority; to establish provisions for military families; to 8 establish authority for certain entities to take adverse action; to require the usage of 9 a coordinated data system; to provide for the promulgation of rules; to provide for 10 oversight, dispute resolution, and enforcement of certain provisions; to provide for 11 construction and severability; to require consistency and conflict resolution between 12 states; to redesignate certain provisions; and to provide for related matters. 13Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana: 14 Section 1. Part II of Chapter 41 of Title 37 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 151950, comprised of R.S. 37:3095.1, is hereby enacted to read as follows: 16 PART II. DIETITIAN LICENSURE COMPACT 17 ยง3095.1 Dietician Licensure Compact 18 SECTION 1. PURPOSE 19 The purpose of this compact is to facilitate the interstate practice of dietetics 20 with the goal of improving public access to dietetics services. This compact Page 1 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety 2 through the current system of state licensure, while also providing for licensure 3 portability through a compact privilege granted to qualifying professionals. This 4 compact is designed to achieve all of the following objectives: 5 (1) Increase public access to dietetics services. 6 (2) Provide opportunities for interstate practice by licensed dietitians who 7 meet uniform requirements. 8 (3) Eliminate the necessity for licenses in multiple states. 9 (4) Reduce the administrative burden on member states and licensees. 10 (5) Enhance the states' ability to protect the public's health and safety. 11 (6) Encourage the cooperation of member states in regulating the multistate 12 practice of licensed dietitians. 13 (7) Support relocating active military members and their spouses. 14 (8) Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary 15 information among member states. 16 (9) Vest all member states with the authority to hold a licensed dietitian 17 accountable for meeting all state practice laws in the state in which the patient is 18 located at the time care is rendered. 19 SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS 20 As used in this Part, and except as otherwise provided, the following 21 definitions shall apply: 22 (1) "ACEND" means the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition 23 and Dietetics or its successor organization. 24 (2) "Active military member" means any individual with full-time duty 25 status in the active United States Armed Forces, members of the National Guard of 26 the United States, and the United States Army Reserve. 27 (3) "Adverse action" means any administrative, civil, equitable, or criminal 28 action permitted by a state's laws which is imposed by a licensing authority or other 29 authority against a licensee including actions against an individual's license or Page 2 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 compact privilege such as revocation, suspension, probation, monitoring of the 2 licensee, limitation on the licensee's practice, or any other encumbrance on licensure 3 affecting a licensee's authorization to practice including issuance of a cease and 4 desist action. 5 (4) "Alternative program" means a nondisciplinary monitoring or practice 6 remediation process approved by a licensing authority. 7 (5) "Charter member state" means any member state which enacted this 8 compact by law before the effective date specified in Section 12 of this compact. 9 (6) "Continuing education" means a requirement, as a condition of license 10 renewal, to provide evidence of participation in and completion of educational and 11 professional activities relevant to practice or area of work. 12 (7) "CDR" means the Commission on Dietetic Registration or its successor 13 organization. 14 (8) "Compact commission", also known as the Dietitian Licensure Compact 15 Commission, means the government agency whose membership consists of all states 16 that have enacted this compact and operates as an instrumentality of the member 17 states. 18 (9) "Compact privilege" means a legal authorization, which is equivalent to 19 a license, permitting the practice of dietetics in a remote state. 20 (10) "Current significant investigative information" means either of the 21 following: 22 (a) Investigative information that a licensing authority, after a preliminary 23 inquiry that includes notification and an opportunity for the subject licensee to 24 respond, if required by state law, has reason to believe is not groundless and, if 25 proved true, would indicate more than a minor infraction. 26 (b) Investigative information that indicates that the subject licensee 27 represents an immediate threat to public health and safety regardless of whether the 28 subject licensee has been notified and had an opportunity to respond. Page 3 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 (11) "Data system" means a repository of information about licensees 2 including but not limited to continuing education, examination, licensure, 3 investigative, compact privilege, and adverse action information. 4 (12) "Encumbered license" means a license in which an adverse action 5 restricts a licensee's ability to practice dietetics. 6 (13) "Encumbrance" means a revocation or suspension of or any limitation 7 on a licensee's full and unrestricted practice of dietetics by a licensing authority. 8 (14) "Executive committee" means a group of delegates elected or appointed 9 to act on behalf of and within the powers granted to them by this compact and the 10 compact commission. 11 (15) "Home state" means the member state that is the licensee's primary state 12 of residence or that has been designated pursuant to Section 6 of this compact. 13 (16) "Investigative information" means information, records, and documents 14 received or generated by a licensing authority pursuant to an investigation. 15 (17) "Jurisprudence requirement" means an assessment of an individual's 16 knowledge of the state laws and regulations governing the practice of dietetics in 17 such state. 18 (18) "License" means an authorization from a member state to engage in the 19 practice of dietetics, including medical nutrition therapy, or use the title "dietitian", 20 "licensed dietitian", "licensed dietitian nutritionist", "certified dietitian", or other title 21 describing a substantially similar practitioner as the compact commission may 22 further define by rule. 23 (19) "Licensee" or "licensed dietitian" means an individual who currently 24 holds a license and who meets all of the requirements outlined in Section 4 of this 25 compact. 26 (20) "Licensing authority" means the board or agency of a state, or 27 equivalent, that is responsible for the licensing and regulation of the practice of 28 dietetics. 29 (21) "Member state" means a state that has enacted this compact. Page 4 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 (22) "Practice of dietetics" means the synthesis and application of dietetics 2 primarily for the provision of nutrition care services including medical nutrition 3 therapy, in-person or via telehealth, to prevent, manage, or treat diseases or medical 4 conditions and promote wellness. 5 (23) "Registered dietitian" means a person who meets all of the following 6 criteria: 7 (a) Has completed applicable education, experience, examination, and 8 recertification requirements approved by CDR. 9 (b) Is credentialed by CDR as a registered dietitian or a registered dietitian 10 nutritionist. 11 (c) Is legally authorized to use the title registered dietitian or registered 12 dietitian nutritionist and the corresponding abbreviations "RD" or "RDN". 13 (24) "Remote state" means a member state other than the home state where 14 a licensee is exercising or seeking to exercise a compact privilege. 15 (25) "Rule" means a regulation promulgated by the compact commission that 16 has the force of law. 17 (26) "Single state license" means a license issued by a member state within 18 the issuing state and does not include a compact privilege in any other member state. 19 (27) "State" means any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the 20 United States of America. 21 (28) "Unencumbered license" means a license that authorizes a licensee to 22 engage in the full and unrestricted practice of dietetics. 23 SECTION 3. STATE PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPACT 24 A. To participate in this compact, a state shall currently meet all of the 25 following criteria: 26 (1) License and regulate the practice of dietetics. 27 (2) Have a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints 28 about licensees. 29 B. A member state shall do all of the following: Page 5 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 (1) Participate fully in the compact commission's data system, including 2 using the unique identifier as defined in rules. 3 (2) Notify the compact commission, in compliance with the terms of this 4 compact and the rules, of any adverse action or the availability of current significant 5 investigative information regarding a licensee. 6 (3) Implement or utilize procedures for considering the criminal history 7 record information of applicants for an initial compact privilege. These procedures 8 shall include the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information by 9 applicants for the purpose of obtaining an applicant's criminal history record 10 information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the agency responsible for 11 retaining that state's criminal records. 12 (a) A member state shall fully implement a criminal history record 13 information requirement, within a time frame established by rule, which includes 14 receiving the results of the Federal Bureau of Investigation record search and shall 15 use those results in determining compact privilege eligibility. 16 (b) Communication between a member state and the compact commission 17 or among member states regarding the verification of eligibility for a compact 18 privilege shall not include any information received from the Federal Bureau of 19 Investigation relating to a federal criminal history record information check 20 performed by a member state. 21 (4) Comply with and enforce the rules of the compact commission. 22 (5) Require an applicant for a compact privilege to obtain or retain a license 23 in the licensee's home state, meet the home state's qualifications for licensure or 24 renewal of licensure, and all other applicable state laws. 25 (6) Recognize a compact privilege granted to a licensee who meets all of the 26 requirements outlined in Section 4 of this compact in accordance with the terms of 27 this compact and the rules. 28 C. Member states may set and collect a fee for granting a compact privilege. 29 D. Individuals not residing in a member state shall continue to be able to 30 apply for a member state's single state license as provided under the laws of each Page 6 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 member state. However, the single state license granted to these individuals shall not 2 be recognized as granting a compact privilege to engage in the practice of dietetics 3 in any other member state. 4 E. Nothing in this compact shall affect the requirements established by a 5 member state for the issuance of a single state license. 6 F. At no point shall the compact commission have the power to define the 7 requirements for the issuance of a single state license to practice dietetics. The 8 member states shall retain sole jurisdiction over the provision of these requirements. 9 SECTION 4. COMPACT PRIVILEGE 10 A. To exercise the compact privilege under the terms and provisions of this 11 compact, the licensee shall do all of the following: 12 (1) Satisfy one of the following: 13 (a) Hold a valid, current registration that gives the applicant the right to use 14 the term registered dietitian. 15 (b) Complete all of the following: 16 (i) An education program which is either: 17 (aa) A master's degree or doctoral degree that is programmatically accredited 18 by ACEND or a dietetics accrediting agency recognized by the United States 19 Department of Education, which the compact commission may by rule determine, 20 and from a college or university accredited at the time of graduation by the 21 appropriate regional accrediting agency recognized by the Council on Higher 22 Education Accreditation and the United States Department of Education. 23 (bb) An academic degree from a college or university in a foreign country 24 equivalent to the degree described in Subitem (aa) of this Item that is 25 programmatically accredited by ACEND or a dietetics accrediting agency recognized 26 by the United States Department of Education, which the compact commission may 27 by rule determine. 28 (ii) A planned, documented, supervised practice experience in dietetics that 29 is programmatically accredited by ACEND or a dietetics accrediting agency 30 recognized by the United States Department of Education, which the compact Page 7 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 commission may by rule determine, and which involves at least one thousand hours 2 of practice experience under the supervision of a registered dietitian or a licensed 3 dietitian. 4 (iii) Successful completion of either the registration examination for 5 dietitians administered by CDR or a national credentialing examination for dietitians 6 approved by the compact commission by rule; such completion being no more than 7 five years prior to the date of the licensee's application for initial licensure and 8 accompanied by a period of continuous licensure thereafter all of which may be 9 further governed by the rules of the compact commission. 10 (2) Hold an unencumbered license in the home state. 11 (3) Notify the compact commission that the licensee is seeking a compact 12 privilege within a remote state. 13 (4) Pay any applicable fees, including any state fee, for the compact 14 privilege. 15 (5) Meet any jurisprudence requirements established by the remote state in 16 which the licensee is seeking a compact privilege. 17 (6) Report to the compact commission any adverse action, encumbrance, or 18 restriction on a license taken by any non-member state within thirty days from the 19 date the action is taken. 20 B. The compact privilege is valid until the expiration date of the home state 21 license. To maintain a compact privilege, renewal of the compact privilege is 22 congruent with the renewal of the home state license as the compact commission 23 may define by rule. The licensee shall comply with the requirements of Subsection 24 A of this Section of this compact to maintain the compact privilege in the remote 25 states. 26 C. A licensee exercising a compact privilege shall adhere to the laws and 27 regulations of the remote state. Licensees are responsible for educating themselves 28 on and complying with any and all state laws relating to the practice of dietetics in 29 such remote state. Page 8 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 D. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in this compact or 2 state law, a licensee exercising a compact privilege is not required to complete 3 continuing education requirements required by a remote state. A licensee exercising 4 a compact privilege is required to meet any continuing education requirements as 5 required by the home state. 6 SECTION 5. OBTAINING A NEW HOME STATE LICENSE BASED ON A 7 COMPACT PRIVILEGE 8 A. A licensee may hold a home state license, which allows for a compact 9 privilege in other member states, in only one member state at a time. 10 B. If a licensee changes home state by moving between two member states, 11 the licensee shall do all of the following: 12 (1) The licensee shall file an application for obtaining a new home state 13 license based on a compact privilege, pay all applicable fees, and notify the current 14 and new home state in accordance with the rules of the compact commission. 15 (2) Upon receipt of an application for obtaining a new home state license by 16 virtue of a compact privilege, the new home state shall verify that the licensee meets 17 the criteria in Section 4 of this compact via the data system and require that the 18 licensee complete the all of the following: 19 (a) Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint based criminal history record 20 information check. 21 (b) Any other criminal history record information required by the new home 22 state. 23 (c) Any jurisprudence requirements of the new home state. 24 (3) The former home state shall convert the former home state license into 25 a compact privilege once the new home state has activated the new home state 26 license in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the compact commission. 27 (4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this compact, if the licensee 28 cannot meet the criteria in Section 4 of this compact, the new home state may apply 29 its requirements for issuing a new single state license. Page 9 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 (5) The licensee shall pay all applicable fees to the new home state in order 2 to be issued a new home state license. 3 C. If a licensee changes his state of residence by moving from a member 4 state to a non-member state, or from a non-member state to a member state, the state 5 criteria shall apply for issuance of a single state license in the new state. 6 D. Nothing in this compact shall interfere with a licensee's ability to hold a 7 single state license in multiple states; however, for the purposes of this compact, a 8 licensee shall have only one home state license. 9 E. Nothing in this compact shall affect the requirements established by a 10 member state for the issuance of a single state license. 11 SECTION 6. ACTIVE MILITARY MEMBERS OR THEIR SPOUSES 12 An active military member, or his spouse, shall designate a home state where 13 the individual has a current license in good standing. The individual may retain the 14 home state designation during the period the service member is on active duty. 15 SECTION 7. ADVERSE ACTIONS 16 A. In addition to the other powers conferred by state law, a remote state shall 17 have the authority, in accordance with existing state due process law, to do all of the 18 following: 19 (1) Take adverse action against a licensee's compact privilege within that 20 member state. 21 (2) Issue subpoenas for both hearings and investigations that require the 22 attendance and testimony of witnesses as well as the production of evidence. 23 Subpoenas issued by a licensing authority in a member state for the attendance and 24 testimony of witnesses or the production of evidence from another member state 25 shall be enforced in the latter state by any court of competent jurisdiction, according 26 to the practice and procedure applicable to subpoenas issued in proceedings pending 27 before that court. The issuing authority shall pay any witness fees, travel expenses, 28 mileage, and other fees required by the service statutes of the state in which the 29 witnesses or evidence are located. Page 10 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 B. Only the home state shall have the power to take adverse action against 2 a licensee's home state license. 3 C. For purposes of taking adverse action, the home state shall give the same 4 priority and effect to reported conduct received from a member state as it would if 5 the conduct had occurred within the home state. In so doing, the home state shall 6 apply its own state laws to determine appropriate action. 7 D. The home state shall complete any pending investigations of a licensee 8 who changes home states during the course of the investigations. The home state 9 shall also have authority to take appropriate action and shall promptly report the 10 conclusions of the investigations to the administrator of the data system. The 11 administrator of the data system shall promptly notify the new home state of any 12 adverse actions. 13 E. A member state, if otherwise permitted by state law, may recover from 14 the affected licensee the costs of investigations and dispositions of cases resulting 15 from any adverse action taken against that licensee. 16 F. A member state may take adverse action based on the factual findings of 17 another remote state provided that the member state follows its own procedures for 18 taking the adverse action. 19 G. Joint investigations. 20 (1) In addition to the authority granted to a member state by its respective 21 state law, any member state may participate with other member states in joint 22 investigations of a licensee. 23 (2) Member states shall share any investigative, litigation, or compliance 24 materials in furtherance of any joint investigation initiated in accordance with this 25 compact. 26 H. If adverse action is taken by the home state against a licensee's home state 27 license resulting in an encumbrance on the home state license, the licensee's compact 28 privilege in all other member states is revoked until all encumbrances have been 29 removed from the home state license. All home state disciplinary orders that impose Page 11 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 adverse action against a licensee shall include a statement that the licensee's compact 2 privileges are revoked in all member states during the pendency of the order. 3 I. Once an encumbered license in the home state is restored to an 4 unencumbered license, as certified by the home state's licensing authority, the 5 licensee shall meet the requirements of Section 4(A) of this compact and follow the 6 administrative requirements to reapply to obtain a compact privilege in any remote 7 state. 8 J. If a member state takes adverse action, it shall promptly notify the 9 administrator of the data system. The administrator of the data system shall 10 promptly notify the other member states state of any adverse actions. 11 K. Nothing in this compact shall override a member state's decision that 12 participation in an alternative program may be used in lieu of adverse action. 13 SECTION 8. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DIETITIAN LICENSURE COMPACT 14 COMMISSION 15 A. The compact member states hereby create and establish a joint 16 government agency whose membership consists of all member states that have 17 enacted this compact, known as the Dietitian Licensure Compact Commission. The 18 compact commission is an instrumentality of the compact states acting jointly and 19 not an instrumentality of any one state. The compact commission shall come into 20 existence on or after the effective date of this compact as set forth in Section 12 of 21 this compact. 22 B. Membership, voting, and meetings. 23 (1) Each member state shall have and be limited to one delegate selected by 24 that member state's licensing authority. 25 (2) The delegate shall be the primary administrator of the licensing authority 26 or their designee. 27 (3) The compact commission shall, by rule or bylaw, establish a term of 28 office for delegates and may, by rule or bylaw, establish term limits. 29 (4) The compact commission may recommend removal or suspension of any 30 delegate from office. Page 12 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 (5) A member state's licensing authority shall fill any vacancy of its delegate 2 occurring on the compact commission within sixty days of the vacancy. 3 (6) Each delegate shall be entitled to one vote on all matters before the 4 compact commission requiring a vote by the delegates. 5 (7) Delegates shall meet and vote by such means as set forth in the bylaws. 6 The bylaws may provide for delegates to meet and vote in-person or by 7 telecommunication, video conference, or other means of communication. 8 (8) The compact commission shall meet at least once during each calendar 9 year. Additional meetings may be held as set forth in the bylaws. The compact 10 commission may meet in person or by telecommunication, video conference, or other 11 means of communication. 12 C. The compact commission shall have all of the following powers: 13 (1) Establish the fiscal year of the compact commission. 14 (2) Establish code of conduct and conflict of interest policies. 15 (3) Establish and amend rules and bylaws. 16 (4) Maintain its financial records in accordance with the bylaws. 17 (5) Meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this 18 compact, the compact commission's rules, and the bylaws. 19 (6) Initiate and conclude legal proceedings or actions in the name of the 20 compact commission, provided that the standing of any licensing authority to sue or 21 be sued under applicable law shall not be affected. 22 (7) Maintain and certify records and information provided to a member state 23 as the authenticated business records of the compact commission and designate an 24 agent to do so on the compact commission's behalf. 25 (8) Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds. 26 (9) Borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel including but not 27 limited to employees of a member state. 28 (10) Conduct an annual financial review. 29 (11) Hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix compensation, define 30 duties, grant such individuals appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of this Page 13 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 compact, and establish the compact commission's personnel policies and programs 2 relating to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, and other related 3 personnel matters. 4 (12) Assess and collect fees. 5 (13) Accept any and all appropriate donations, grants of money, other 6 sources of revenue, equipment, supplies, materials, services, and gifts and receive, 7 utilize, and dispose of the same provided that at all times the compact commission 8 shall avoid any actual or appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest. 9 (14) Lease, purchase, retain, own, hold, improve, or use any property, real, 10 personal, or mixed, or any undivided interest therein. 11 (15) Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise 12 dispose of any property real, personal, or mixed. 13 (16) Establish a budget and make expenditures. 14 (17) Borrow money. 15 (18) Appoint committees, including standing committees, composed of 16 members, state regulators, state legislators or their representatives, and consumer 17 representatives, and such other interested persons as may be designated in this 18 compact or the bylaws. 19 (19) Provide and receive information from, and cooperate with, law 20 enforcement agencies. 21 (20) Establish and elect an executive committee including a chair and a vice 22 chair. 23 (21) Determine whether a state's adopted language is materially different 24 from the model compact language such that the state would not qualify for 25 participation in the compact. 26 (22) Perform such other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to 27 achieve the purposes of this compact. 28 D. The executive committee. Page 14 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 (1) The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the 2 compact commission according to the terms of this compact. The powers, duties, 3 and responsibilities of the executive committee shall include all of the following: 4 (a) Oversee the day-to-day activities of the administration of this compact 5 including enforcement and compliance with the provisions of this compact, its rules 6 and bylaws, and other such duties as deemed necessary. 7 (b) Recommend to the compact commission changes to the rules or bylaws, 8 changes to this compact legislation, fees charged to compact member states, fees 9 charged to licensees, and other fees. 10 (c) Ensure compact commission administration services are appropriately 11 provided including by contract. 12 (d) Prepare and recommend the budget. 13 (e) Maintain financial records on behalf of the compact commission. 14 (f) Monitor member states compliance with this compact and provide 15 compliance reports to the compact commission. 16 (g) Establish additional committees as necessary. 17 (h) Exercise the powers and duties of the compact commission during the 18 interim between compact commission meetings except for adopting or amending 19 rules, adopting or amending bylaws, and exercising any other powers and duties 20 expressly reserved to the compact commission by rule or bylaw. 21 (i) Other duties as provided in the rules or bylaws of the compact 22 commission. 23 (2) The Executive Committee shall be composed of the following nine 24 members: 25 (a) The chair and vice chair of the compact commission shall be voting 26 members of the executive committee. 27 (b) Five voting members from the current membership of the compact 28 commission, elected by the compact commission. 29 (c) One ex-officio, nonvoting member from a recognized professional 30 association representing dietitians. Page 15 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 (d) One ex-officio, nonvoting member from a recognized national 2 credentialing organization for dietitians. 3 (3) The compact commission may remove any member of the executive 4 committee as provided in the compact commission's bylaws. 5 (4) The executive committee shall meet at least annually. 6 (a) Executive committee meetings shall be open to the public, except that the 7 executive committee may meet in a closed, non-public meeting as provided in 8 Paragraph (F)(2) of this Section. 9 (b) The executive committee shall give thirty days' notice of its meetings, 10 posted on the website of the compact commission and as determined to provide 11 notice to persons with an interest in the business of the compact commission. 12 (c) The executive committee may hold a special meeting in accordance with 13 Subparagraph (F)(1)(b) of this Section. 14 E. The compact commission shall adopt and provide to the member states 15 an annual report. 16 F. Meetings of the compact commission. 17 (1) All meetings shall be open to the public, except that the compact 18 commission may meet in a closed, non-public meeting as provided in Paragraph (2) 19 of this Subsection. 20 (a) Public notice for all meetings of the full compact commission shall be 21 given in the same manner as required under the rulemaking provisions in Section 10 22 of this compact, except that the compact commission may hold a special meeting as 23 provided in Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph. 24 (b) The compact commission may hold a special meeting when it must meet 25 to conduct emergency business by giving twenty four hours' notice to all member 26 states on the compact commission's website and other means as provided in the 27 compact commission's rules. The compact commission's legal counsel shall certify 28 that the compact commission's need to meet qualifies as an emergency. 29 (2) The compact commission or the executive committee or other 30 committees of the compact commission may convene in a closed, non-public Page 16 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 meeting for the compact commission or executive committee or other committees 2 of the compact commission to receive legal advice or to discuss any of the following: 3 (a) Non-compliance of a member state with its obligations under the 4 compact. 5 (b) The employment, compensation, discipline, or other matters, practices, 6 or procedures related to specific employees. 7 (c) Current or threatened discipline of a licensee by the compact commission 8 or by a member state's licensing authority. 9 (d) Current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation. 10 (e) Negotiation of contracts for the purchase, lease, or sale of goods, 11 services, or real estate. 12 (f) Accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person. 13 (g) Trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged 14 or confidential. 15 (h) Information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a 16 clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. 17 (i) Investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes. 18 (j) Information related to any investigative reports prepared by or on behalf 19 of or for use of the compact commission or other committee charged with 20 responsibility of investigation or determination of compliance issues pursuant to this 21 compact. 22 (k) Matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or member state 23 law. 24 (l) Other matters as specified in the rules of the compact commission. 25 (3) If a meeting or portion of a meeting is closed, the presiding officer shall 26 state that the meeting will be closed and reference each relevant exempting 27 provision, and such reference shall be recorded in the minutes. 28 (4) The compact commission shall keep minutes that fully and clearly 29 describe all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate 30 summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of the Page 17 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 views expressed. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be 2 identified in such minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall 3 remain under seal, subject to release only by a majority vote of the compact 4 commission or order of a court of competent jurisdiction. 5 G. Financing of the compact commission. 6 (1) The compact commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the 7 reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities. 8 (2) The compact commission may accept any and all appropriate revenue 9 sources as provided in Paragraph (C)(13) of this Section. 10 (3) The compact commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment 11 from each member state and impose fees on licensees of member states to whom it 12 grants a compact privilege to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the 13 compact commission and its staff which, in a total amount, is sufficient to cover its 14 annual budget as approved each year for which revenue is not provided by other 15 sources. The aggregate annual assessment amount for member states shall be 16 allocated based upon a formula that the compact commission shall promulgate by 17 rule. 18 (4) The compact commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to 19 securing the funds adequate to meet the same nor shall the compact commission 20 pledge the credit of any of the member states except by and with the authority of the 21 member state. 22 (5) The compact commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and 23 disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the compact commission are 24 subject to the financial review and accounting procedures established under its 25 bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the compact 26 commission are be subject to an annual financial review by a certified or licensed 27 public accountant, and the report of the financial review shall be included in and 28 become part of the annual report of the compact commission. 29 H. Qualified immunity, defense, and indemnification. Page 18 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 (1) The members, officers, executive director, employees, and 2 representatives of the compact commission shall be immune from suit and liability, 3 both personally and in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of 4 property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any 5 actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred or that the person against whom 6 the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of 7 compact commission employment, duties, or responsibilities provided that nothing 8 in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any such person from suit or liability 9 for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful or 10 wanton misconduct of that person. The procurement of insurance of any type by the 11 compact commission shall not in any way compromise or limit the immunity granted 12 hereunder. 13 (2) The compact commission shall defend any member, officer, executive 14 director, employee, and representative of the compact commission in any civil action 15 seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission 16 that occurred within the scope of compact commission employment, duties, or 17 responsibilities, or as determined by the compact commission that the person against 18 whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the 19 scope of compact commission employment, duties, or responsibilities provided that 20 nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit that person from retaining their own 21 counsel at their own expense; and provided further, that the actual or alleged act, 22 error, or omission did not result from that person's intentional or willful or wanton 23 misconduct. 24 (3) The compact commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any 25 member, officer, executive director, employee, and representative of the compact 26 commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against that 27 person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within 28 the scope of compact commission employment, duties, or responsibilities or that 29 such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of 30 compact commission employment, duties, or responsibilities provided that the actual Page 19 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from the intentional or willful or 2 wanton misconduct of that person. 3 (4) Nothing in this compact shall be construed as a limitation on the liability 4 of any licensee for professional malpractice or misconduct, which shall be governed 5 solely by any other applicable state laws. 6 (5) Nothing in this compact shall be interpreted to waive or otherwise 7 abrogate a member state's state action immunity or state action affirmative defense 8 with respect to antitrust claims under the Sherman Act, Clayton Act, or any other 9 state or federal antitrust or anticompetitive law or regulation. 10 (6) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to be a waiver of sovereign 11 immunity by the member states or by the compact commission. 12 SECTION 9. DATA SYSTEM 13 A. The compact commission shall provide for the development, 14 maintenance, operation, and utilization of a coordinated data system. 15 B. The compact commission shall assign each applicant for a compact 16 privilege a unique identifier, as determined by the rules. 17 C. Notwithstanding any other provision of state law to the contrary, a 18 member state shall submit a uniform data set to the data system on all individuals to 19 whom this compact is applicable as required by the rules of the compact commission 20 including all of the following: 21 (1) Identifying information. 22 (2) Licensure data. 23 (3) Adverse actions against a license or compact privilege and information 24 related thereto. 25 (4) Nonconfidential information related to alternative program participation, 26 the beginning and ending dates of such participation, and other information related 27 to such participation not made confidential under member state law. 28 (5) Any denial of application for licensure, and the reason for such denial. 29 (6) The presence of current significant investigative information. Page 20 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 (7) Other information that may facilitate the administration of this compact 2 or the protection of the public, as determined by the rules of the compact 3 commission. 4 D. The records and information provided to a member state pursuant to this 5 compact or through the data system, when certified by the compact commission or 6 an agent thereof, shall constitute the authenticated business records of the compact 7 commission and are entitled to any associated hearsay exception in any relevant 8 judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative proceedings in a member state. 9 E. Current significant investigative information pertaining to a licensee in 10 any member state is be available only to other member states. 11 F. It is the responsibility of the member states to report any adverse action 12 against a licensee and to monitor the data system to determine whether any adverse 13 action has been taken against a licensee. Adverse action information pertaining to 14 a licensee in any member state is available to any other member state. 15 G. Member states contributing information to the data system may designate 16 information that may not be shared with the public without the express permission 17 of the contributing state. 18 H. Any information submitted to the data system that is subsequently 19 expunged pursuant to federal law or the laws of the member state contributing the 20 information shall be removed from the data system. 21 SECTION 10. RULEMAKING 22 A. The compact commission shall promulgate reasonable rules in order to 23 effectively and efficiently implement and administer the purposes and provisions of 24 this compact. A rule shall be invalid and have no force or effect only if a court of 25 competent jurisdiction holds that the rule is invalid because the compact commission 26 exercised its rulemaking authority in a manner that is beyond the scope and purposes 27 of this compact, or the powers granted hereunder, or based upon another applicable 28 standard of review. 29 B. The rules of the compact commission have the force of law in each 30 member state, provided however that where the rules conflict with the laws or Page 21 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 regulations of a member state that relate to the procedures, actions, and processes a 2 licensed dietitian is permitted to undertake in that state and the circumstances under 3 which he may do so, as held by a court of competent jurisdiction, the rules of the 4 compact commission shall be ineffective in that state to the extent of the conflict. 5 C. The compact commission shall exercise its rulemaking powers pursuant 6 to the criteria set forth in this Section and the rules adopted thereunder. Rules are 7 binding on the day following adoption or as of the date specified in the rule or 8 amendment, whichever is later. 9 D. If a majority of the legislatures of the member states rejects a rule or 10 portion of a rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to 11 adopt this compact within four years of the date of adoption of the rule, then such 12 rule shall have no further force and effect in any member state. 13 E. The compact commission shall adopt rules at a regular or special meeting 14 of the compact commission. 15 F. Prior to adoption of a proposed rule, the compact commission shall hold 16 a public hearing and allow persons to provide oral and written comments, data, facts, 17 opinions, and arguments. 18 G. Prior to adoption of a proposed rule by the compact commission and at 19 least thirty days in advance of the meeting at which the compact commission will 20 hold a public hearing on the proposed rule, the compact commission shall provide 21 a notice of proposed rulemaking: 22 (1) On the website of the compact commission or other publicly accessible 23 platform. 24 (2) To persons who have requested notice of the compact commission's 25 notices of proposed rulemaking. 26 (3) In such other way as the compact commission may, by rule, specify. 27 H. The notice of proposed rulemaking shall include all of the following: 28 (1) The time, date, and location of the public hearing at which the compact 29 commission will hear public comments on the proposed rule and, if different, the Page 22 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 time, date, and location of the meeting where the compact commission will consider 2 and vote on the proposed rule. 3 (2) If the hearing is held via telecommunication, video conference, or other 4 means of communication, the compact commission shall include the mechanism for 5 access to the hearing in the notice of proposed rulemaking. 6 (3) The text of the proposed rule and the reason therefore. 7 (4) A request for comments on the proposed rule from any interested person. 8 (5) The manner in which interested persons may submit written comments. 9 I. All hearings will be recorded. A copy of the recording and all written 10 comments and documents received by the compact commission in response to the 11 proposed rule shall be available to the public. 12 J. Nothing in this Section shall be construed as requiring a separate hearing 13 on each rule. Rules may be grouped for the convenience of the compact commission 14 at hearings required by this Section. 15 K. The compact commission shall, by majority vote of all members, take 16 final action on the proposed rule based on the rulemaking record and the full text of 17 the rule. 18 (1) The compact commission may adopt changes to the proposed rule 19 provided the changes do not enlarge the original purpose of the proposed rule. 20 (2) The compact commission shall provide an explanation of the reasons for 21 substantive changes made to the proposed rule as well as reasons for substantive 22 changes not made that were recommended by commenters. 23 (3) The compact commission shall determine a reasonable effective date for 24 the rule. Except for an emergency as provided in Subsection L of this Section, the 25 effective date of the rule shall be no sooner than thirty days after issuing the notice 26 that it adopted or amended the rule. 27 L. Upon determination that an emergency exists, the compact commission 28 may consider and adopt an emergency rule with twenty four hours' notice, with 29 opportunity to comment, provided that the usual rulemaking procedures provided in 30 this compact and in this Section shall be retroactively applied to the rule as soon as Page 23 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 reasonably possible, in no event later than ninety days after the effective date of the 2 rule. For the purposes of this provision, an emergency rule is adopted immediately 3 in order to achieve any of the following: 4 (1) Meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare. 5 (2) Prevent a loss of compact commission or member state funds. 6 (3) Meet a deadline for the promulgation of a rule that is established by 7 federal law or rule. 8 (4) Protect public health and safety. 9 M. The compact commission or an authorized committee of the compact 10 commission may direct revision to a previously adopted rule for purposes of 11 correcting typographical errors, errors in format, errors in consistency, or 12 grammatical errors. Public notice of any revision shall be posted on the website of 13 the compact commission. The revision shall be subject to challenge by any person 14 for a period of thirty days after posting. The revision may be challenged only on 15 grounds that the revision results in a material change to a rule. A challenge shall be 16 made in writing and delivered to the compact commission prior to the end of the 17 notice period. If no challenge is made, the revision will take effect without further 18 action. If the revision is challenged, the revision may not take effect without the 19 approval of the compact commission. 20 N. No member state's rulemaking requirements shall apply under this 21 compact. 22 SECTION 11. OVERSIGHT, DISPUTE RESOLUTION, AND ENFORCEMENT 23 A. Oversight. 24 (1) The executive and judicial branches of state government in each member 25 state shall enforce this compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to 26 implement this compact. 27 (2) Except as otherwise provided in this compact, venue is proper and 28 judicial proceedings by or against the compact commission shall be brought solely 29 and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the 30 compact commission is located. The compact commission may waive venue and Page 24 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative 2 dispute resolution proceedings. Nothing herein shall affect or limit the selection or 3 propriety of venue in any action against a licensee for professional malpractice, 4 misconduct, or any such similar matter. 5 (3) The compact commission shall be entitled to receive service of process 6 in any proceeding regarding the enforcement or interpretation of the compact and 7 shall have standing to intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. Failure to 8 provide the compact commission service of process shall render a judgment or order 9 void as to the compact commission, this compact, or promulgated rules. 10 B. Default, technical assistance, and termination. 11 (1) If the compact commission determines that a member state has defaulted 12 in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact or the 13 promulgated rules, the compact commission shall provide written notice to the 14 defaulting state. The notice of default shall describe the default, the proposed means 15 of curing the default, and any other action that the compact commission may take 16 and shall offer training and specific technical assistance regarding the default. 17 (2) The compact commission shall provide a copy of the notice of default to 18 the other member states. 19 C. If a state in default fails to cure the default, the defaulting state may be 20 terminated from this compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the delegates 21 of the member states, and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred on that state 22 by this compact may be terminated on the effective date of termination. A cure of 23 the default does not relieve the offending state of obligations or liabilities incurred 24 during the period of default. 25 D. Termination of membership in this compact shall be imposed only after 26 all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to 27 suspend or terminate shall be given by the compact commission to the governor, the 28 majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature, the defaulting 29 state's licensing authority, and each of the member states' licensing authority. Page 25 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 E. A state that has been terminated is responsible for all assessments, 2 obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination, 3 including obligations that extend beyond the effective date of termination. 4 F. Upon the termination of a state's membership from this compact, that state 5 shall immediately provide notice to all licensees within that state of such termination. 6 The terminated state shall continue to recognize all compact privileges granted 7 pursuant to this compact for a minimum of six months after the date of said notice 8 of termination. 9 G. The compact commission shall not bear any costs related to a state that 10 is found to be in default or that has been terminated from this compact unless agreed 11 upon in writing between the compact commission and the defaulting state. 12 H. The defaulting state may appeal the action of the compact commission by 13 petitioning the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal 14 district where the compact commission has its principal offices. The prevailing party 15 shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees. 16 I. Dispute resolution. 17 (1) Upon request by a member state, the compact commission shall attempt 18 to resolve disputes related to this compact that arise among member states and 19 between member and non-member states. 20 (2) The compact commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both 21 mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate. 22 J. Enforcement. 23 (1) By supermajority vote, the compact commission may initiate legal action 24 against a member state in default in the United States District Court for the District 25 of Columbia or the federal district where the compact commission has its principal 26 offices to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact and its promulgated 27 rules. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the 28 event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party shall be awarded all 29 costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees. The remedies herein 30 shall not be the exclusive remedies of the compact commission. The compact Page 26 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or the defaulting 2 member state's law. 3 (2) A member state may initiate legal action against the compact commission 4 in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district 5 where the compact commission has its principal offices to enforce compliance with 6 the provisions of the compact and its promulgated rules. The relief sought may 7 include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is 8 necessary, the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including 9 reasonable attorney's fees. 10 (3) No party other than a member state shall enforce this compact against the 11 compact commission. 12 SECTION 12. EFFECTIVE DATE, WITHDRAWAL, AND AMENDMENT 13 A. The compact shall come into effect on the date on which this compact 14 statute is enacted into law in the seventh member state. 15 (1) On or after the effective date of the compact, the compact commission 16 shall convene and review the enactment of each of the first seven member states, 17 known as charter member states, to determine if the statute enacted by each such 18 charter member state is materially different than the model compact statute. 19 (a) A charter member state whose enactment is found to be materially 20 different from the model compact statute shall be entitled to the default process set 21 forth in Section 11 of this compact. 22 (b) If any member state is later found to be in default, or is terminated, or 23 withdraws from the compact, the compact commission shall remain in existence and 24 the compact shall remain in effect even if the number of member states should be 25 less than seven. 26 (2) Member states enacting the compact subsequent to the seven initial 27 charter member states shall be subject to the process set forth in Section 8(C)(21) of 28 this compact to determine if their enactments are materially different from the model 29 compact statute and whether they qualify for participation in the compact. Page 27 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 (3) All actions taken for the benefit of the compact commission or in 2 furtherance of the purposes of the administration of the compact prior to the effective 3 date of the compact or the compact commission coming into existence are considered 4 actions of the compact commission unless specifically repudiated by the compact 5 commission. 6 (4) Any state that joins the compact subsequent to the compact commission's 7 initial adoption of the rules and bylaws shall be subject to the rules and bylaws as 8 they exist on the date on which the compact becomes law in that state. Any rule that 9 has been previously adopted by the compact commission shall have the full force and 10 effect of law on the day the compact becomes law in that state. 11 B. Any member state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute 12 repealing the same. 13 (1) A member state's withdrawal shall not take effect until one hundred and 14 eighty days after enactment of the repealing statute. 15 (2) Withdrawal shall not affect the continuing requirement of the 16 withdrawing state's licensing authority to comply with the investigative and adverse 17 action reporting requirements of this compact prior to the effective date of 18 withdrawal. 19 (3) Upon the enactment of a statute withdrawing from this compact, a state 20 shall immediately provide notice of such withdrawal to all licensees within that state. 21 Notwithstanding any subsequent statutory enactment to the contrary, such 22 withdrawing state shall continue to recognize all compact privileges granted pursuant 23 to this compact for a minimum of one hundred and eighty days after the date of such 24 notice of withdrawal. 25 C. Nothing contained in this compact shall be construed to invalidate or 26 prevent any licensure agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a 27 member state and a non-member state that does not conflict with the provisions of 28 this compact. Page 28 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 D. This compact may be amended by the member states. No amendment to 2 this compact shall become effective and binding upon any member state until it is 3 enacted into the laws of all member states. 4 SECTION 13. CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY 5 A. This compact and the compact commission's rulemaking authority shall 6 be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes and the implementation and 7 administration of the compact. Provisions of the compact expressly authorizing or 8 requiring the promulgation of rules shall not be construed to limit the compact 9 commission's rulemaking authority solely for those purposes. 10 B. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, 11 clause, sentence, or provision of this compact is held by a court of competent 12 jurisdiction to be contrary to the constitution of any member state, a state seeking 13 participation in the compact, or of the United States, or the applicability thereof to 14 any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional by 15 a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remainder of this compact and 16 the applicability thereof to any other government, agency, person, or circumstance 17 shall not be affected thereby. 18 C. Notwithstanding Section 13(B) of this compact, the compact commission 19 may deny a state's participation in the compact or, in accordance with the 20 requirements of Section 11(B) of this compact, terminate a member state's 21 participation in the compact, if it determines that a constitutional requirement of a 22 member state is a material departure from the compact. Otherwise, if this compact 23 is held to be contrary to the constitution of any member state, the compact shall 24 remain in full force and effect as to the remaining member states and in full force 25 and effect as to the member state affected as to all severable matters. 26 SECTION 14. CONSISTENT EFFECT AND CONFLICT WITH OTHER STATE 27 LAWS 28 A. Nothing herein shall prevent or inhibit the enforcement of any other law 29 of a member state that is not inconsistent with this compact. Page 29 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 1 B. Any laws, statutes, regulations, or other legal requirements in a member 2 state in conflict with the compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict. 3 C. All permissible agreements between the compact commission and the 4 member states are binding in accordance with their terms. 5 Section 2. The Louisiana State Law Institute is hereby authorized and directed to 6designate R.S. 37:3081 through 3094 as "PART I. LICENSING AND REGULATING 7DIETITIANS AND NUTRITIONISTS". DIGEST The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)] HB 399 Original 2025 Regular Session Chenevert Abstract: Creates the Dietitian Licensure Compact in Louisiana. Proposed law adopts the Dietitian Licensure Compact (compact). Proposed law further provides that its purpose is to facilitate the interstate practice of licensed dietitians by improving public access to competent dietetic services and further provides for the preservation of regulatory authority for states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure while decreasing a state's administrative burden. Proposed law establishes a process for dietitians licensed in a member state to practice in another member state through a compact privilege. Proposed law provides for definitions. Proposed law allows states to participate in the compact if they meet certain criteria including all of the following: (1)License and regulate the practice of dietetics. (2)Require applicants for licensure to graduate from a program that satisfies the requirements set forth in proposed law. (3)Have a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints about licensees. Proposed law further provides that in order to maintain membership in the compact, a member state shall do all of the following: (1)Require that applicants for a compact privilege complete an educational program and pass a qualifying exam as provided in proposed law. (2)Participate fully in the commission's data system including using the commission's unique identifier as defined by commission rules. Page 30 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 (3)Notify the commission, in compliance with the terms of this compact and commission rules, of any adverse action or the availability of significant investigative information regarding a licensee. (4) Implement procedures for considering the criminal history records of applicants for a compact privilege. (5) Comply with the rules of the commission. (6) Require an applicant to obtain or retain a license in the home state and meet the home state's qualifications for licensure or renewal of licensure as well as all other applicable home state laws. (7) Authorize a licensee holding a compact privilege in any member state to practice in accordance with the terms of this compact and rules of the commission. (8) Designate a delegate to participate in the commission meetings. Proposed law specifies certain criteria for an applicant to be eligible for a compact privilege to practice in a remote member state including all of the following: (1) Hold an active, unencumbered license in the home state. (2)Meet educational requirements as established by proposed law or hold a current registration that gives the applicant the right to use the term registered dietitian. (3) Pay any applicable fees including any state fees. (4)Meet any subject matter knowledge requirements of the remote member state. (5) Report to the commission any adverse action, encumbrance, or restriction on any professional license taken by any member state or nonmember state within 30 days from the date the action is taken. (5) Meet any continuing education requirements established by the home state. (6) Abide by the laws, regulations, and applicable standards of the remote state. Proposed law establishes criteria for a licensee to obtain a new home state license in a remote member stated based on a compact privilege awarded by the remote member state including all of the following: (1)Hold only one home state license. (2)File an application with the new home state to obtain a new home state license based on an existing compact privilege in the new home state. (3)Pay all applicable fees. (4)Notify the new home and the previous home state in accordance with rules of the commission. (5)Complete a Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint based criminal history record check and any other criminal history record check required by the new home state. (6)Be eligible to obtain a compact privilege in the new home state. (7)Pay all applicable fees to the new home state. Page 31 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 Proposed law specifies procedures that a remote member state may take to initiate an adverse action against a licensee's compact privilege including conducting investigations and hearings separately and jointly with the licensee's home state. Proposed law further specifies that only the home state has the authority to take an adverse action against a licensee's home state license. Proposed law requires an active military member or his spouse to designate a home state where the individual has a current license in good standing. Proposed law further provides that the individual may retain his home state designation during the period the service member is on active duty. Proposed law establishes authority of the commission, outlines the abilities of member states, and establishes mechanisms to adopt rules for the commission. Proposed law establishes a joint government agency, which shall consist of all member states that have enacted the compact and provides that the commission is an instrumentality of the compact states acting jointly and not an instrumentality of any one state. Proposed law establishes certain criteria for membership, voting, and meetings including procedures and circumstances for meetings closed to the public. Proposed law provides for the executive committee, annual report, financing for the commission, and details provisions for qualified immunity, defense, and indemnification. Proposed law requires the commission to provide for the development, maintenance, operation, and utilization of a coordinated data system and establishes provisions in furtherance of such requirements. Proposed law establishes provisions for oversight, dispute resolution, and enforcement of the compact. Proposed law provides that if the commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities in accordance with proposed law or the rules promulgated by the commission, the commission shall provide written notice to the defaulting state. Proposed law further provides that upon failure to cure its default, a state may be subject to termination from the commission. Proposed law provides that the compact shall come into effect on the date on which the compact statute is enacted into law in the seventh member state. Proposed law establishes provisions for a state's withdrawal from the compact. Proposed law provides that the compact may be amended by the member states and further provides that no amendment to the compact shall become effective and binding upon any member state until it is enacted into the laws of all member states. Proposed law establishes certain provisions for rulemaking in accordance with proposed law and, when applicable, severability of certain provisions of proposed law. Proposed law provides that proposed law does not prevent or inhibit the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is not inconsistent with the compact. Proposed law provides that any laws, statutes, regulations, or other legal requirements in a member state in conflict with the compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict. Page 32 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 25RS-384 ORIGINAL HB NO. 399 Proposed law further provides that all permissible agreements between the commission and the member states are binding in accordance with their terms. (Adds R.S. 37:3095.1) Page 33 of 33 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions.