State licensing laws
It’s important to understand them so you can practice legally.
When you consider the “state,” this is where your client is located at the time of session. Not necessarily what their mailing address is, and not where you live.
If you have a client that lives in a state that requires licensure you MUST meet with a Clinician’s Incubator supervisor who is also licensed in that state for your 1:1 to review that client’s case.
It is okay to talk about any client with any supervisor in clinical rounds.
There are some states where CNSs or CNS-candidates cannot practice medical nutrition therapy. Starting April 30, you’ll be allowed to provide nutrition education in these states. Look forward to the publication of a Nutrition Education Library in Practice Better.
Click into the box below to match your client’s state & symptoms with a supervisor’s specialty.
States without Licensing Requirements, Or Optional Licensing Requirements
Arizona, California (only if MD referral secured), Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan (thru 2026), Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia
States with Required Licenses: Meet with a supervisor licensed accordingly
Alaska, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Washington DC, Washington State
These states will require you to do nutrition education or health coaching.
Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wyoming, Wisconsin
Access all the information you need in the Practice Better program: 50 States Nutrition Education Library