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Chapter 246-822 WAC

Last Update: 12/23/20

DIETICIANS OR NUTRITIONISTS

WAC Sections

HTMLPDF246-822-010Definitions.
HTMLPDF246-822-020General provisions.
HTMLPDF246-822-030Mandatory reporting.
HTMLPDF246-822-040Health care institutions.
HTMLPDF246-822-050Dietitian or nutritionist associations or societies.
HTMLPDF246-822-060Health care service contractors and disability insurance carriers.
HTMLPDF246-822-070Professional liability carriers.
HTMLPDF246-822-080Courts.
HTMLPDF246-822-090State and federal agencies.
HTMLPDF246-822-120Application requirements.
HTMLPDF246-822-130Nutritionist minimum core curriculum.
HTMLPDF246-822-150Examinations.
HTMLPDF246-822-160Foreign degree equivalency.
HTMLPDF246-822-170Certification for dietitiansGrandfathering.
HTMLPDF246-822-990Dietitian and nutritionist fees and renewal cycle.
DISPOSITION OF SECTIONS FORMERLY CODIFIED IN THIS TITLE
246-822-100Cooperation with investigation. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.138.070, 18.130.050 and 18.130.070. WSR 92-02-018 (Order 224), § 246-822-100, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-100, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-177-090, filed 6/30/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-20-101, filed 9/29/97, effective 10/30/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040.
246-822-110AIDS prevention and information education requirements. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.138.070, 18.130.050, 18.130.070 and 70.24.270. WSR 92-02-018 (Order 224), § 246-822-110, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-110, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.24.270. WSR 88-22-077 (Order PM 786), § 308-177-100, filed 11/2/88.] Repealed by WSR 98-05-060, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280.
246-822-140Certification renewal registration date. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-140, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.138.070. WSR 89-03-035 (Order PM 814), § 308-177-140, filed 1/11/89.] Repealed by WSR 97-20-101, filed 9/29/97, effective 10/30/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040.


PDF246-822-010

Definitions.

(1) "Accredited college or university" means a college or university accredited by a national or regional accrediting body recognized by the council on postsecondary education at the time the applicant completed the required education.
(2) "Continuous preprofessional experience" means a minimum of 900 hours of supervised competency-based practice in the field of dietetics accumulated over a maximum of thirty-six months. This competency-based practice should include, but not be limited to the following:
(a) Assuring that food service operations meet the food and nutrition needs of clients and target markets.
(b) Utilization of food, nutrition, and social services in community programs.
(c) Providing nutrition care through systematic assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation of groups and individuals.
(d) Providing nutrition counseling and education to individuals and groups for health promotion, health maintenance, and rehabilitation.
(e) Applying current research information and methods to dietetic practice.
(f) Utilizing computer and other technology in the practice of dietetics.
(g) Integrating food and nutrition services in the health care delivery system.
(h) Promoting positive relationships with others who impact on dietetic service.
(i) Coordinating nutrition care with food service systems.
(j) Participating in the management of cost-effective nutrition care systems.
(k) Utilizing menu as the focal point for control of the food service system.
(l) Participating in the management of food service systems, including procurement, food production, distribution, and service.
(m) Participating in the management of human, financial, material, physical, and operational resources.
(n) Providing education and training to other professionals and supportive personnel.
(o) Engaging in activities that promote improved nutrition status of the public and advance the profession of dietetics.
(p) Recognizing the impact of political, legislative, and economic factors on dietetic practice.
(q) Utilizing effective communication skills in the practice of dietetics.
(r) Participating in the management of a quality assurance program.
(3) "Supervision" means the oversight and responsibility for the dietitian's or nutritionist's continued practice by a qualified supervisor. Methods of supervision may include face-to-face conversations, direct observation, or review of written notes or tapes.
(4) "Qualified supervisor" means a dietitian who is certified under this chapter or who is qualified for certification under this chapter.
(5) "Coordinated undergraduate program" means supervised dietetic practice that is part of a course of study.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-010, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.138.070. WSR 89-17-071, § 308-177-115, filed 8/16/89, effective 9/16/89.]



PDF246-822-020

General provisions.

(1) "Unprofessional conduct" as used in this chapter shall mean the conduct described in RCW 18.130.180.
(2) "Hospital" means any health care institution licensed pursuant to chapter 70.41 RCW.
(3) "Nursing home" means any health care institution which comes under chapter 18.51 RCW.
(4) "Department" means the department of health, whose address is:
Department of Health
Professional Licensing Services
1300 Quince St., P.O. Box 47870
Olympia, Washington 98504-7870
(5) "Dietitian or nutritionist" means a person certified pursuant to chapter 18.138 RCW.
(6) "Mentally or physically disabled dietitian or nutritionist" means a dietitian or nutritionist who is currently mentally incompetent or mentally ill as determined by a court, or who is unable to practice dietetics or general nutrition services with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of any mental or physical condition and who continues to practice while so impaired.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.138.070, 18.130.050 and 18.130.070. WSR 92-02-018 (Order 224), § 246-822-020, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-020, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-177-010, filed 6/30/89.]



PDF246-822-030

Mandatory reporting.

(1) All reports required by this chapter shall be submitted to the department as soon as possible, but no later than twenty days after a determination is made.
(2) A report should contain the following information if known:
(a) The name, address, and telephone number of the person making the report.
(b) The name and address and telephone numbers of the dietitian or nutritionist being reported.
(c) The case number of any client whose treatment is a subject of the report.
(d) A brief description or summary of the facts which gave rise to the issuance of the report, including dates of occurrences.
(e) If court action is involved, the name of the court in which the action is filed along with the date of filing and docket number.
(f) Any further information which would aid in the evaluation of the report.
(3) Mandatory reports shall be exempt from public inspection and copying to the extent permitted under RCW 42.17.310 or to the extent that public inspection or copying of the report or any portion of the report would invade or violate a person's right to privacy as set forth in RCW 42.17.255.
(4) A person is immune from civil liability, whether direct or derivative, for providing information to the department pursuant to RCW 18.130.070.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-030, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-177-020, filed 6/30/89.]



PDF246-822-040

Health care institutions.

The chief administrator or executive officer or designee of any hospital or nursing home shall report to the department when any dietitian or nutritionist's services are terminated or are restricted based on a determination that the dietitian or nutritionist has either committed an act or acts which may constitute unprofessional conduct or that the dietitian or nutritionist may be unable to practice with reasonable skill or safety to clients by reason of a physical or mental condition.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-040, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-177-030, filed 6/30/89.]



PDF246-822-050

Dietitian or nutritionist associations or societies.

The president or chief executive officer of any dietitian or nutritionist association or society within this state shall report to the department when the association or society determines that a dietitian or nutritionist has committed unprofessional conduct or that a dietitian or nutritionist may not be able to practice dietetics or general nutrition services with reasonable skill and safety to clients as the result of any mental or physical condition. The report required by this section shall be made without regard to whether the certificate holder appeals, accepts, or acts upon the determination made by the association or society. Notification of appeal shall be included.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-050, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-177-040, filed 6/30/89.]



PDF246-822-060

Health care service contractors and disability insurance carriers.

The executive officer of every health care service contractor and disability insurer, licensed under chapters 48.20, 48.21, 48.21A, and 48.44 RCW, operating in the state of Washington shall report to the department all final determinations that a dietitian or nutritionist has engaged in fraud in billing for services.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-060, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-177-050, filed 6/30/89.]



PDF246-822-070

Professional liability carriers.

Every institution or organization providing professional liability insurance directly or indirectly to dietitians or nutritionists shall send a complete report to the department of any malpractice settlement, award, or payment in excess of twenty thousand dollars as a result of a claim or action for damages alleged to have been caused by an insured dietitian or nutritionist's incompetency or negligence in the practice of dietetics or general nutrition services. Such institution or organization shall also report the award, settlement, or payment of three or more claims during a twelve-month period as a result of the dietitian or nutritionist's alleged incompetence or negligence in the practice of dietetics or general nutrition services.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-070, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-177-060, filed 6/30/89.]



PDF246-822-080

Courts.

The department requests the assistance of the clerk of trial courts within the state to report all professional malpractice judgments and all convictions of dietitians or nutritionists, other than minor traffic violations.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-080, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-177-070, filed 6/30/89.]



PDF246-822-090

State and federal agencies.

The department requests the assistance of executive officers of any state or federal program operating in the state of Washington, under which a dietitian or nutritionist is employed to provide patient care services, to report to the department whenever such a dietitian or nutritionist has been judged to have demonstrated his/her incompetency or negligence in the practice of dietetics or general nutrition services, or has otherwise committed unprofessional conduct, or is a mentally or physically disabled dietitian or nutritionist. These requirements do not supersede any federal or state law.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-090, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.070. WSR 89-14-092 (Order PM 842), § 308-177-080, filed 6/30/89.]



PDF246-822-120

Application requirements.

(1) Individuals applying for certification as a certified dietitian must submit:
(a) A completed application form with fee; and
(b) Verification of current registration status with the commission on dietetic registration.
(2) Individuals applying for certification as a certified dietitian who have not passed the required written examination or who are not registered with the commission on dietetic registration must:
(a) Provide transcripts forwarded directly from the issuing college or university showing completion of a baccalaureate degree or higher in a major course of study in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics, or food management;
(b) Provide evidence of completion of a continuous preprofessional experience or coordinated undergraduate program in dietetics under the supervision of a qualified supervisor; and
(c) Take and pass the required written examination.
(3) Individuals applying for certification as a certified nutritionist must submit:
(a) A completed application form with fee; and
(b) Documentation that the applicant meets the application requirements for certified dietitians, as set forth in subsection (1) or (2) of this section; or
(c) Transcripts forwarded directly from the issuing college or university showing completion of a masters or doctorate degree in one of the following subject areas: Human nutrition, nutrition education, foods and nutrition, or public health nutrition.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.29.130, 18.29.210, 18.34.120, 18.46.060, 18.55.095, 18.84.040, 18.88B.060, 18.89.050, 18.130.050, 18.138.070, 18.155.040, 18.200.050, 18.205.060, 18.215.040, 18.230.040, 18.240.050, 18.250.020, 18.290.020, 18.360.030, 18.360.070, 70.41.030, 70.230.020, 71.12.670, and 18.108.085. WSR 21-02-002, § 246-822-120, filed 12/23/20, effective 1/23/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. WSR 98-05-060, § 246-822-120, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.138.070, 18.130.050 and 18.130.070. WSR 92-02-018 (Order 224), § 246-822-120, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-120, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.138.070. WSR 89-17-071, § 308-177-120, filed 8/16/89, effective 9/16/89; WSR 89-03-035 (Order PM 814), § 308-177-120, filed 1/11/89.]



PDF246-822-130

Nutritionist minimum core curriculum.

Training for certified nutritionist should include coursework at the collegiate level or equivalent in the following areas:
(1) Basic science - Which should include courses in one or more of the following:
(a) Physiology.
(b) Biochemistry.
(2) Foods - Which should include courses in one or more of the following:
(a) Selection.
(b) Composition.
(c) Food science.
(3) Nutritional science.
(4) Applied nutrition - Which should include courses in one or more of the following:
(a) Diet therapy.
(b) Nutrition of the life cycle.
(c) Cultural/anthropological nutrition.
(d) Public health nutrition.
(5) Counseling/education - Which should include courses in one or more of the following:
(a) Psychological counseling.
(b) Educational psychology.
(c) Communication.
(d) Psychology.
(e) Education.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-130, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.138.070. WSR 89-17-071, § 308-177-130, filed 8/16/89, effective 9/16/89; WSR 89-03-035 (Order PM 814), § 308-177-130, filed 1/11/89.]



PDF246-822-150

Examinations.

(1) A written examination will be given at least once annually to qualified applicants at a time and place determined by the secretary.
(2) Applications must be received sixty days in advance of the scheduled examination.
(3) Applicants who fail the examination shall submit the appropriate fee for reexamination.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.138.070, 18.130.050 and 18.130.070. WSR 92-02-018 (Order 224), § 246-822-150, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-150, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.138.070. WSR 89-17-071, § 308-177-160, filed 8/16/89, effective 9/16/89.]



PDF246-822-160

Foreign degree equivalency.

Applicants who obtained their education outside of the United States and its territories must have their academic degree(s) validated as substantially equivalent to the baccalaureate, master's, or doctorate degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university recognized by the council on postsecondary education at the time the applicant completed the required degree.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-160, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.138.070. WSR 89-17-071, § 308-177-180, filed 8/16/89, effective 9/16/89.]



PDF246-822-170

Certification for dietitiansGrandfathering.

An individual may be certified as a certified dietitian if he or she provides evidence of meeting criteria for registration with the commission on dietetic registration on June 9, 1988.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050, 18.29.130, 18.29.210, 18.34.120, 18.46.060, 18.55.095, 18.84.040, 18.88B.060, 18.89.050, 18.130.050, 18.138.070, 18.155.040, 18.200.050, 18.205.060, 18.215.040, 18.230.040, 18.240.050, 18.250.020, 18.290.020, 18.360.030, 18.360.070, 70.41.030, 70.230.020, 71.12.670, and 18.108.085. WSR 21-02-002, § 246-822-170, filed 12/23/20, effective 1/23/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.138.070, 18.130.050 and 18.130.070. WSR 92-02-018 (Order 224), § 246-822-170, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-170, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.138.070. WSR 89-17-071, § 308-177-190, filed 8/16/89, effective 9/16/89.]



PDF246-822-990

Dietitian and nutritionist fees and renewal cycle.

(1) Certificates must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2.
(2) The following nonrefundable fees will be charged:
Title
Fee
Original application
 
 
Application
$65.00
 
HEAL-WA* surcharge
16.00
Renewal
 
 
Renewal
45.00
 
HEAL-WA* surcharge
16.00
 
Late renewal penalty
45.00
Expired certificate reissuance
50.00
Duplicate certificate
30.00
Verification of certificate
30.00
*
HEAL-WA is the health resources for Washington online library. See RCW 43.70.110.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. WSR 15-19-149, § 246-822-990, filed 9/22/15, effective 1/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280 and 2013 c 249. WSR 13-21-077, § 246-822-990, filed 10/17/13, effective 1/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.110, 43.70.250, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 50. WSR 11-20-092, § 246-822-990, filed 10/4/11, effective 12/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250, [43.70.]280 and 43.70.110. WSR 05-12-012, § 246-822-990, filed 5/20/05, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250. WSR 99-08-101, § 246-822-990, filed 4/6/99, effective 7/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. WSR 98-05-060, § 246-822-990, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250. WSR 91-13-002 (Order 173), § 246-822-990, filed 6/6/91, effective 7/7/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-822-990, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250. WSR 90-04-094 (Order 029), § 308-177-110, filed 2/7/90, effective 3/10/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.138.070. WSR 89-17-071, § 308-177-110, filed 8/16/89, effective 9/16/89; WSR 89-03-035 (Order PM 814), § 308-177-110, filed 1/11/89.]