Frequently Asked Questions
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Obtaining Licensure in Louisiana FAQ
What types of licenses are available?
Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN) licenses are offered to individuals who have successfully completed the registration exam given through CDR. The minimum requirements for LDN licensure in Louisiana are:
♦ Application for License
♦ Applicable fee
♦ Copy of current CDR Card
♦ Official copy of Transcript showing degree awarded in accepted field
♦ Official Verification Statement from an ACEND accredited supervised practice program
♦ Official Verification of Licensure from any state in which you hold or have ever held licensure
Provisional Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (Provisional LDN) licenses are offered to individuals who have not yet passed the registration exam given through CDR. Provisional LDNs require supervision by an LDN. The minimum requirements for Provisional LDN licensure in Louisiana are:
♦ Application for License
♦ Applicable fee
♦ Official copy of Transcript showing degree awarded in accepted field
♦ Official Verification Statement from an ACEND accredited supervised practice program
♦ Supervision Form if employed in Dietetics/Nutrition in Louisiana
♦ Official Verification of Licensure from any state in which you hold or have ever held licensure
What are the licensure fees in Louisiana?
| Initial LDN Licensure | $150 |
| Initial Provisional LDN Licensure | $100 |
| Upgrade to LDN | $80 |
|
Reinstatement of LDN Licensure |
$155* |
*Reinstatement within the first fiscal year of lapse with incur additional fees. |
I was previously licensed in Louisiana, but I forgot my password and don't have access to the email address on file with the board. Should I create a new account? Do I need to contact the board office?
You should NOT create a new account. To reset your password, select "Currently Licensed" from the homepage. You should then select the "Forgot Password?" tab. A new window will open and you must enter the email address on file and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number. You will then select "RESET MY PASSWORD". Finally, a window will open and allow you to enter a new password. Once you select "RESET MY PASSWORD", the system will accept the change.
My job title is Registered Dietitian at a facility in Louisiana, but my employer does not require Louisiana LDN Licensure. Should I apply for licensure anyway?
Yes. Licensure is required to practice in Louisiana and to refer to yourself as "RD" or "RDN".
LBEDN’s Practice Act, RS 37:3081; Chapter 1. Dietitians and Nutritionists; § 3091, states that ” No person shall use the titles "dietitian", "dietician", or "nutritionist" or any abbreviation or facsimile thereof unless he is licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter and is engaged in the practice of human nutrition, or meets the exemptions in R.S. 37:3093. No person shall practice dietetics/nutrition or provide nutrition care services unless licensed or otherwise authorized to practice in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. The board may cause to issue in any competent court a writ of injunction enjoining any person from violating the provisions of this Chapter. The provisions of this Section shall become effective July 1, 1988.”
What is the Louisiana Dietetic/Nutrition Scope of Practice?
Dietetics/nutrition practice means the integration and application of principles derived from the sciences of nutrition, biochemistry, food, physiology, management, behavioral, and social sciences to achieve and maintain client health through the provision of nutrition care services, which shall include:
(a) Assessing the nutritional needs of individuals and groups based upon appropriate biochemical, anthropometric, physical, and dietary data to determine nutrient needs and recommend to the primary health care provider appropriate nutritional intake including enteral and parenteral nutrition.
(b) Establishing priorities, goals, and objectives that meet nutritional needs and are consistent with available resources.
(c) Providing nutrition counseling by advising and assisting individuals or groups on appropriate nutritional intake by integrating information from the nutritional assessment with information on food and other sources of nutrients and meal preparation consistent with cultural background and socioeconomic status.
(d) Developing, implementing, and managing nutrition care systems.
(e) Evaluating, making changes in, and maintaining standards of quality in food and nutrition care services.
(f) Within a healthcare facility licensed by the Louisiana Department of Health, ordering appropriate nutritional intake, including enteral and parenteral nutrition, and ordering appropriate laboratory tests to monitor the effectiveness of the dietary plan, subject to the approval of and authorization by the licensed healthcare facility's medical staff or bylaws.
(2) "Licensed dietitian/licensed nutritionist" means a person licensed under this Chapter. The terms "dietitian", "dietician", and "nutritionist" may be used interchangeably.
(3) "Provisionally licensed dietitian/nutritionist" means a person provisionally licensed under this Chapter.
(4) "Registered dietitian" means a person registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Licensure vs. Registration: What's the Difference?
Dietitians/Nutritionists are licensed by LBEDN in Louisiana. Licensure is mandatory in Louisiana. Licensure laws vary by state. Because of the title protection in Louisiana, individuals registered by CDR may not call themselves a “Registered Dietitian”, “RD”, “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist” or “RDN” without holding Louisiana LDN licensure.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) represents RDs/RDNs. Dietitians are credentialed/registered by CDR, the credentialing agency of AND. Membership in AND is voluntary, although important for reimbursement in many employment settings.
I've graduated - what's the next step?
♦ Online application to LBEDN for Provisional LDN License with applicable fee
♦ Official Transcript showing degree awarded in accepted field
♦ Official Verification Statement from an ACEND accredited supervised practice program
♦ Once a job is obtained, submit Supervision Form and Formal Job Description
♦ Take the registration exam through CDR
Upgrade to LDN must be requested through your Licensee Dashboard once CDR exam is passed.
I've passed the CDR examination. Now what?
If you hold a Provisional LDN license:
♦ Upgrade Request must be submitted through your Licensee Dashboard
♦ Applicable fee
♦ Copy of CDR card
If you do not hold a license, apply for LDN license:
♦ Application for LDN Licensure must be submitted
♦ Applicable fee
♦ Copy of CDR Card
♦ Official copy of Transcript showing degree awarded in accepted field
♦ Official Verification Statement from an ACEND accredited supervised practice program
♦ Official Verification of Licensure from any state in which you hold or have ever held licensure
What do I do when I secure a job?
If you have not already obtained licensure, you must submit the following to LBEDN:
If you passed the exam:
♦ Application for LDN license
♦ Applicable fee
♦ Copy of current CDR card
♦ Official copy of Transcript showing degree awarded in accepted field
♦ Official Verification Statement from an ACEND accredited supervised practice program
♦ Formal Job Description
If you have not passed the exam:
♦ Application for Provisional LDN license
♦ Applicable fee
♦ Official copy of Transcript showing degree awarded in accepted field
♦ Official Verification Statement from an ACEND accredited supervised practice program
♦ Formal Job Description
Applicant FAQ
I submitted my application. What do I do now?
Be sure to check the milestones on your dashboard within 1-2 days of submission for documents required to complete your application. Please continue to track the status of your application on your dashboard. Applications will be processed within 1-2 weeks from the date that all information is received. The last page of your application includes payment information and acts as the receipt.
Applications are not considered complete until all required documentation has been received.
♦ College transcript(s) must be official copies only. This must be submitted via e-script, Parchment, etc. directly to tjeanmarie@lbedn.org. You must submit a minimum of BS or higher. Please submit all transcripts you would like on file with the board.
♦ Verification Statement from the completed ACEND Supervised Pre-Professional Experience must be official copies only, submitted by Program Directors via email directly to tjeanmarie@lbedn.org. VERIFICATION STATEMENTS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED FROM APPLICANTS. Credential Verification from CDR cannot be accepted in lieu of the ACEND Verification Statement. Transcripts are not accepted in lieu of the Verification Statement.
♦ A Verification of Licensure must be submitted from any state in which you hold or have held licensure. Verification must be submitted by the issuing Board via email directly to tjeanmarie@lbedn.org. Verifications must include: Name; Profession; License Number; Effective Date; Expiration Date; Disciplinary history; and Agency Seal. Documentation from the Board’s website, a copy of your license ID card, or a duplicate license is not acceptable for this purpose.
♦ Current CDR card must be uploaded into application. An additional copy should not be sent to the Board office unless requested.
♦ Provisional LDN applicants ONLY, who are working in the field of dietetics/nutrition in Louisiana, must submit a Supervision Form, which is found on the Board's website, www.lbedn.org by selecting the LICENSEE INFO tab then the FORMS tab. Once the form is completed, please email it to tjeanmarie@lbedn.org. This must be submitted within 15 days of employment. (THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO LDN APPLICANTS.)
Once approved, Licensure ID card, Proof of Licensure, and wall certificate will be available for viewing and printing on Licensee Dashboard.
I submitted a Reinstatement Application. LBEDN has my educational and licensure documents already. Will I need to send them again?
LBEDN requires official Licensure Verifications for all new or reinstatement applications. If your official transcript and ACEND Supervised Pre-Professional Experience Verification Statement are on file with the board, they are not required to be sent again. Please check the milestones on the REINSTATEMENT APPLICATION CHECKLIST on your Licensee Dashboard for a list of required and received documents.
I am a Registered Dietitian or a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist. Do I need to become licensed by LBEDN to practice in Louisiana?
Yes. LDN or Provisional LDN Licensure is required to practice dietetics and nutrition in Louisiana, or to provide telenutrition to a client or patient who is in Louisiana at the time services are provided.
Dietitians/Nutritionists are licensed by LBEDN in Louisiana. LDN or Provisional LDN licensure is mandatory in Louisiana. Licensure laws vary by state. Because of the title protection in Louisiana, individuals registered by CDR may not call themselves a “Registered Dietitian”, “RD”, “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist” or “RDN” without holding Louisiana LDN licensure.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) represents RDs/RDNs. Dietitians are credentialed/registered by CDR, the credentialing agency of AND. Membership in AND is voluntary, although important for reimbursement in many employment settings.
I have been a Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist for 10 years. Do I really need to provide a transcript and Internship Verification Statement?
Yes. Louisiana is a Primary Source Verification state. That means LBEDN must primary source verify the educational and licensure history for each applicant.
I have a copy of my transcript, ACEND Verification Statement, and license ID cards. Can I send those to the board?
No. Only documents which are allowed to be uploaded into application may be accepted from an applicant. All other documents must be official, meaning they cannot be accepted from an applicant and must be emailed directly to tjeanmarie@lbedn.org from the issuing agency.
How do my University and Program Director know to send my documents to LBEDN?
You must contact your University and Internship Director to have these documents emailed directly to the Board Office at tjeanmarie@lbedn.org.
I am or have previously been licensed in other states. Do I have to submit any information about my licensure?
You must contact the state(s) in which you hold or have ever held licensure to have a Verification of Licensure emailed directly to the Board Office at tjeanmarie@lbedn.org as part of the application process. Paper verifications are not needed.
**Proof of licensure, a license ID card, or duplicate license is not adequate. This must be a Verification of Licensure.
To request a verification of your Louisiana licensure to be sent to another regulatory board, please log into your Licensee Dashboard. Once logged in, you should select the "Forms" tab, then the "Verification of Licensure" tab. Once the online form and payment have been submitted, your request will be processed.
I am licensed in another state or states. Can I obtain Louisiana licensure through reciprocity?
LBEDN does not have reciprocity with any other states. A Verification of Licensure must be submitted from any state in which you hold or have ever held licensure. Verification must be submitted by the issuing Board via email directly to tjeanmarie@lbedn.org. Verifications must include: Name; Profession; License Number; Effective Date; Expiration Date; Disciplinary history; and Agency Seal. Documentation from the Board’s website, a copy of your license ID card, or a duplicate license is not acceptable for this purpose.
**ALL APPLICANTS, INCLUDING THOSE LICENSED IN OTHER STATES, MUST SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED EDUCATIONAL AND LICENSURE DOCUMENTATION AS PART OF THE LOUISIANA LICENSURE APPLICATION PROCESS.
How do I get a receipt for reimbursement of my LDN or Provisional LDN application?
The last page of your application has the payment information and acts as the receipt while in the application process. Once your license has been issued, fee receipts will be found on your Licensee Dashboard under the FEES tab.
Licensee FAQ
How do I update my name, email address, address, or other personal information with the Board?
Log in to your dashboard and select the "EDIT" tab in ACCOUNT INFO bar. All information should be updated as it changes but is required at the time of renewal.
Where is my ID card? I didn’t get one in the mail.
LBEDN does not mail ID cards or wall certificates. You may log in to your dashboard and select the appropriate tab above your license record.
Do I need to update my employment information with the board when I change jobs?
Yes. Log in to your dashboard and select the EMPLOYMENT tab, then select the EDIT EMPLOYMENT INFO tab. Be sure to save the new information. All information should be updated as it changes but is required at the time of renewal.
How do I get a receipt?
To print a fee receipt, log in to your dashboard and select the FEES tab. All fee receipts may be printed directly from the fees section of your Licensee Dashboard.
I forgot my password and I don't have access to the email address on file with the board. Do I need to contact the board office?
You should select the "Forgot Password?" tab. A new window will open and you must enter the email address on file and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number. You will then select "RESET MY PASSWORD". This will allow you to reset your password without needing access to your email.
I am applying to become licensed in another state. How do I request a verification of my Louisiana license?
To request a verification of your Louisiana licensure to be sent to another regulatory board, please log into your Licensee Dashboard. Once logged in, you should select the "Forms" tab, then the "Verification of Licensure" tab. Once the online form and payment have been submitted, your request will be processed. Specific forms will not be completed by board staff. All states accept LBEDN's official Verification of Licensure.
I want to apply for LDN licensure in another state. Can I remain licensed in Louisiana?
Yes. You may hold licensure in multiple states. There is no requirement to relinquish your Louisiana LDN or Provisional LDN licensure just because you apply elsewhere or move out of the state. To remain licensed in Louisiana, you must renew your license annually.
Are Louisiana licensure laws the same as other states I am applying to?
No. Each state has its own licensure laws, requirements, and scope of practice. You should familiarize yourself with the regulations of every state where you are licensed. You are required to comply with each state’s regulations, not just those of your primary residence.
Renewal FAQ
How do get to the renewal application?
To access the renewal application, you must log into your Licensee Dashboard and select the FORMS tab. Then you must select the Renewal Application. Renewal is offered online only.
When is the annual renewal period?
LBEDN’s renewal period is from April 15th through June 30th annually. Delinquent renewal period is from July 1st through August 31st annually.
Will I be sent a receipt so my employer will reimburse me for my renewal?
Fee receipts are found on your Licensee Dashboard under the FEES tab.
What is required to renew?
Licensed Dietitians/Nutritionists with Active Status
♦ Must upload a PDF copy of current CDR card or Credential Verification to prove that the CE requirement has been met. LDN ID card, CDR letter or receipt, or expired CDR card will not be accepted.
♦ $85 active renewal fee or $165 delinquent active renewal fee
Licensed Dietitians/Nutritionists with Inactive Status
♦ Must select the Inactive check box inside of the renewal application.
♦ $50 inactive renewal fee or $95 delinquent inactive renewal fee
Provisional Licensed Dietitians/Nutritionists
♦ Must attest to completion of 15 continuing education hours and upload supporting documentation into renewal application. All certificates must be grouped in a single PDF file, as only one CE upload is allowed.
♦ A Supervision Form must also be uploaded into the application if employed in dietetics/nutrition. Only one Supervision upload is allowed, so all pages of the form must be uploaded as one PDF file.
♦ $85 renewal fee or $165 delinquent renewal fee
What if I do not have a copy of my current CDR card?
If you do not have a copy of your CDR card, a Credential Verification can be downloaded from CDR’s website using the following link: CDR's Credential Verification system.
Your name, CDR number, and lapse date MUST be displayed on the document to be accepted. You may save the file as a pdf document and upload it into Part One of the Renewal Application.
**Please note: This is NOT a LBEDN process. If you have questions regarding your CDR card, please contact CDR.
How much is the annual renewal?
Licensed Dietitians/Nutritionists
Renewal fee submitted between April 15 and June 30 $85.00
Renewal fee submitted between July 1 and August 31 $165.00
INACTIVE STATUS submitted between April 15 and June 30 $50.00
INACTIVE STATUS submitted between July 1 and August 31 $95.00
Provisional Licensed Dietitians/Nutritionists
Renewal fee submitted between April 15 and June 30 $85.00
Renewal fee submitted between July 1 and August 31 $165.00
How often must I renew my Louisiana LDN or Provisional LDN licensure?
Licensure renewal is required annually by June 30th. Please be reminded that Louisiana licensure renewal is required in addition to the renewal of your registration annually.
I just received my license on March 15th. Am I really required to renew by June 30th?
Yes. Licenses issued from July 1 - March 31 must renew by June 30th of that fiscal year.
It is now September 1st and I forgot to renew. What do I do now?
Your LDN or Provisional LDN licensure has officially lapsed and you are not longer eligible to renew. You must cease and desist the practice of dietetics and nutrition in the State of Louisiana. Please note that you may not use the title or present or imply that you have the title of “Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist” or any abbreviation or facsimile of these titles. In addition, you cannot practice within the scope of a Dietitian/Nutritionist without being properly licensed.
To reinstate your license, you must log into your account, select the FORMS tab, then the REINSTATEMENT APPLICATION tab. Be sure to check the milestones on your dashboard within 1-2 days for required documents to complete your application. Please continue to track the status of your application by selecting the REINSTATEMENT APPLICATION CHECKLIST tab on your dashboard.
I'm retired. Do I really need to renew my Louisiana LDN licensure?
If you are retired or do not work in the field of dietetics/nutrition, you are not required to renew your license. Allowing your license to lapse does not reflect poorly on your licensure history. If you prefer to remain licensed, the board offers Inactive Status. This gives you the flexibility to return to Active Status without having to go through the reinstatement process.
Inactive Status FAQ
Who is eligible for Inactive Status?
Inactive status may be granted to licensees who are retired or who do not and will not practice dietetics/nutrition during the fiscal year, July 1-June 30.
How do I claim Inactive Status?
Licensees must select "Inactive" and pay the annual inactive renewal fee at the time of licensure renewal.
What can I do with an Inactive license?
Licensees on inactive status shall not supervise Provisional LDNs or otherwise engage in the practice of dietetics/nutrition.
How do I change my licensure status from Inactive to Active so I can practice again?
To resume the practice of dietetics/nutrition, licensees on inactive status shall demonstrate completion of 5 clock hours of continuing education in the area of licensure for each year that inactive status was maintained. In addition, a letter requesting a change to active status and the appropriate fee must be submitted to the board office prior to resuming the practice of dietetics/nutrition. Inactive licensees who wish to return to active status at the time of renewal may do so by renewing as active and paying the active renewal fee.
Upgrade FAQ
Does LBEDN automatically upgrade my Provisional LDN license once I pass the CDR examination?
No. LBEDN and CDR are not affiliated, and the provisional status is not automatically lifted upon passing of the CDR examination. It is the licensee’s responsibility to submit an upgrade request to LBEDN.
How do I upgrade my licnese from Provisional LDN to LDN?
To upgrade your license, please log into your Licensee Dashboard. From your dashboard, select the FORMS tab, then the UPGRADE LICENSE PROCESS tab. You must upload a copy of your CDR ID card or passing exam score and pay the appropriate fee. You must continue to be supervised until your license is officially upgraded.
How long can I hold Provisional LDN licensure before upgrading to LDN?
You are eligible to hold Provisional licensure for up to two years from the date of initial licensure, but you must renew annually to remain active and eligible to practice.
What happens if I have not passed the CDR examination within two years of becoming licensed as a Provisional LDN?
If your two-year eligibility ends before you pass the CDR examination, you must reinstate your Provisional LDN licensure prior to the lapse if you are working in the field of dietetics and nutrition. You must renew annually to remain active and eligible to practice.
I upgraded my license on April 12th. Why is my expiration date still June 30th of this year?
Upgrading a license lifts the Provisional condition from your existing license. It is not a renewal. You must renew your license in addition to the upgrade to remain active and eligible to practice.
Telehealth FAQ
I am a Louisiana licensed dietitian/nutritionist. Can I provide telehealth services to clients who live in Louisiana?
Yes. A Louisiana license covers the delivery of dietetic/nutrition services, no matter what the chosen method of delivery is.
I am a Louisiana licensed dietitian/nutritionist. What if my client who lives in Louisiana travels or moves to another state? Can I continue to provide services via telehealth?
This depends on the laws and rules that regulate dietitians/nutritionists in the state where the patient or client is located.
I am a Louisiana licensed dietitian/nutritionist. Can I provide telehealth services to clients who do not live in Louisiana?
A Louisiana license will only cover services provided in Louisiana, to patients or clients located in Louisiana at the time of services. Prior to providing services to an individual outside of Louisiana, please check the laws and rules that regulate dietitians/nutritionists in the state where the patient or client is located.
I am a Louisiana licensed dietitian/nutritionist. Am I required to have an in-person initial intake session before providing dietetic services by telehealth?
There is no provision of Louisiana law or rule that requires an in-person initial intake session. If the client is located in another state, you would need to contact the appropriate state licensing board or agency to find out if an in-person initial intake session is required where the patient or client is located.
Can a dietitian/nutritionist from another state provide telehealth services to a client who is located in Louisiana without holding a Louisiana license?
No. Individuals providing services, regardless of the chosen method of service delivery, in Louisiana, must be licensed in Louisiana. Telehealth allows services to be accessed when providers are in a distant site and patients are in the originating site. The patient is considered physically located at the originating site as defined in R.S. 40:1223.3. (4).
Louisiana law requires a Louisiana dietitian/nutritionist license to practice in Louisiana. Louisiana law prohibits a dietitian/nutritionist who provides services to Louisiana clients from using the titles “Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist” or “LDN” unless the dietitian/nutritionist holds a Louisiana license. Additionally, Louisiana law prohibits the use of the terms “Registered Dietitian”, “Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist”, “RD”, or “RDN”, if the individual is not licensed in Louisiana, regardless of the individual’s status with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Is there reciprocity for licensed or registered dietitians from other states to obtain a Louisiana license?
There is no reciprocity, but a dietitian currently registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration may easily obtain a Louisiana LDN license.
Is there reciprocity in other states so that Louisiana licensed dietitians/nutritionists can obtain a license to practice in another state?
The answer to this question varies by state. You would need to contact the appropriate state licensing board or agency.