Licensure & Scope of Practice

Indiana Professional Licensing Board Modernization Task Force
November 12, 2022

Presentation

Evan Bartel, the Deputy Director and General Counsel for IPLA and Alyssa Servies, the Director of the Medical Licensing Board were presenters.

 

Explanation of Current Status of Licensure in Indiana
July 30, 2021

Licensure Statutes and Information by State  (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, who meet education and credentialing requirements can apply for licensure in the state of Indiana.  However, the licensure credential means that Indiana licenses the title, RD/RDN to implement the law, but is not required to practice MNT or Dietetics.

“Licensure by reciprocity” (an accelerated path to licensure) was achieved in Indiana in 2019.  Currently, updates to the detail of the Scope of Practice of Dietitians is being updated with the support of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.   This update will be required to receive support from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency Medical Licensing Board to approve and vote to change the statute required to include “Practice Exclusivity”, indication that a license is required to practice MNT and Dietetics.

The process to support practice exclusivity is progressing in Indiana. IAND recently learned that the Medical Licensing Board is requiring a license for non-resident, out-of-state, Dietitians to provide telehealth services to Indiana residents.

The process to update the Scope of Practice will be a major focus of the Indiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Board of Directors in 2021 and 2022 to continue to advocate for, support, and protect our profession in the state of Indiana.

Licensure History

As of July 1, 2019 Dietitians are Licensed to practice in the state of Indiana!

The 25 year march to Licensure as Dietitians:  from 1994 to 2019

  • 1994: Dietitians pursue licensure in the state, but ultimately end up with certification.
  • 1995: Indiana Dietitian Certification Board is first seated.
  • 2011: Indiana Dietitian Certification Board almost eliminated due to review by the Regulated Occupations Evaluation Committee (ROEC).  Board had not had quorum due to resignations and Gov. Daniels refusal to appoint new members to the board. The Dietitian Certification Board was not eliminated by the ROEC hearings and Gov. Pence did seat new members to our board.
  • 2013: Licensure bill passed the Indiana House and Senate, but vetoed by Governor.
  • March 23, 2016: Scope of Practice rule inserted into Dietitian Certification Rules.  The Governor’s office had recommended this after the veto.
  • October 1, 2016; HEA 1157 allowed for Order Writing Privileges by “Qualified Dietitian” in hospitals.  A Qualified Dietitian is a Certified Dietitian.
  • 2019: Two bills are introduced in the House – both related to professional licensing.

HB 1269: proposed the elimination of the Dietitian Certification Board and transfer of all responsibilities to the Medical Licensing Board.  IAND tried to have a licensure amendment placed in this bill, but ultimately we were unsuccessful.  IAND supported the elimination of the certification board if we could obtain licensure.

HB 1569: IAND was successful in adding a licensure amendment to this bill pertaining to professional licensing of several professions.  Was signed into law on by the Governor in April and becomes effective July 1, 2019.

(The timeline was written by Mark McInerney, D.H.Sc, RD, LD, Past President and Past Public Policy Coordinator, and Martha Rardin, MS, RD, LD, FAND, Public Policy Team Mentor)

Scope of Practice

Licensure for Indiana Registered Dietitians

HEA 1569: Professional Licensing Matters has been signed by Governor Holcomb on April 24, 2019.

Medical Licensing Board

Licensure Application and renewal information:  November, 2022 https://in.gov/pla/licens

IAND introduced our organization and membership to the Medical Licensing Board on September 24, 2020.  You are welcome to view the presentation slides:

Medical Licensing Board Introduction to IAND

Board Meeting Schedule