Michigan- First State to Overturn Monopolistic Dietetics Licensure Law

On July 1, 2014, Michigan made history by signing into law HB 4688 to REPEAL the Dietetics Licensure Law which monopolized the field of dietetics and nutrition for members of one trade association, the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, formerly the American Dietetic Association.  Both the House and the Senate voted with 2/3 approval.  Now the public is free to access the nutrition practitioner of their choice and nutrition practitioners can maintain their practices without worrying about investigations or prosecutions.  Repeal of this restrictive law supports a competitive marketplace and promotes increased business opportunities for Michigan!  Although the Michigan Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics claimed the public would be vulnerable to many dangerous practices without licensure, they were NEVER able to provide any evidence of risk to the legislature.  I served on the Michigan Board of Dietetics & Nutrition from 2007 - 2012 to help bring a level playing field to the nutrition profession.  Many individuals and businesses throughout  Michigan and the US communicated unified messages to the Michigan legislature that REPEAL was the best solution.  CONGRATULATIONS MICHIGAN for leading the way!