HB145

I am a dietitian licensed in several states. Each year, I pay hundreds in state licensures and it would make my work to support clients in different states much easier if the licensure compact went into effect. Thank you

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Licensed Dietitian residing in New Ipswich, NH, I want to wholeheartedly express support for HB 145, regarding the Dietitian Licensure Compact. Dietitians already hold Registration through a national body which carefully vets and reviews our professional practice, including ongoing professional education. Currently, Registered Dietitians practice only in states in which they are licensed, and it is difficult to obtain a license in a state which is not their home state. This restricts provision of Teleheath Medical Nutrition Therapy. People living in remote areas or with difficulty leaving their homes thus have fewer services available. This affects me personally in hampering my provision of volunteer nutrition counseling to secondary school athlete runners who are coached by my children living in states other than New Hampshire. This can affect Registered Dietitians living near state borders also. I currently practice in long-term care in New Hampshire, but am unable to provide temporary vacation coverage for dietitians in Massachusetts, even though I live close to the border. The situation vice versa also limits provision of needed services to New Hampshire by dietitians living across the border. I urge the committee to vote in favor of HB 145 for a Dietitian Licensure Compact, joining 4 states which have already passed this legislation and 6 others with legislation pending, which will improve access to nutritional care across the nation. Thank you. Marcia Christiansen, RDN, LD 603-878-2896

I am an aspiring registered dietitian and student of Jennifer Chadbourne who spoke today at the hearing. This bill would greatly improve my future job opportunities and ease of service to clients over state lines.

RD licensure compact would be a great opportunity for local Registered Dietitans to be able to advance our profession! Please support this!

Having faced challenges recruiting RDs, the RD Licensure Compact would streamline licensure for dietitians across states and help to address staffing needs and ultimately supporting nutrition care of hospitalized patients.

I am a Director of Nutrition Services at a local hospital. I am in full support of this bill. Anything we can do to streamline licensure for RDs across participating states will assist in recruiting and expediting employment.

I am a clincal dietitian who practices in 2 different states. To apply to work in a second state required me to go through a large application process again, even though I was already a registered dietitian nutriitonist who was licensed in a state already. It is redundant to go through application processes in each state when it is clearly evident that I have met the requirements for licensure already. A benefit of a compact is that there would be uniform requirements between states that would be at least as stringent to NH's requirements. Another benefit is time savings to the individual as well as the Office of Professional Licensing. To apply for another license requires the registered dietitian nutritionist to submit a large amount of paperwork including college transcripts which then takes time to be reviewed by the licensing committees.

I am in favor of this bill to give our profession more agency between states to improve care and outreach.

Karen Revak 1465 Hooksett Rd, #323 Hooksett, NH. 03106 January 22, 2025 I am writing as a registered dietitian residing in Hooksett, New Hampshire, to express my strong support for HB 145, the Dietitian Licensure Compact. The Dietitian Licensure Compact is modeled after other proven compacts already approved in New Hampshire, including those for physical therapy, occupational therapy, PSYPACT, counseling, and speech-language pathology. This reliable framework ensures consistency while upholding New Hampshire’s high standards for dietitians, reflecting our shared commitment to safe and qualified care for all residents. One of the key advantages of this compact is its positive impact on military families. With frequent relocations, military members and their spouses often face barriers to maintaining professional licensure. The compact streamlines this process, allowing for continuity in their careers while reducing delays and easing transitions. Moreover, the compact supports the growth of telehealth services by simplifying interstate practice. For New Hampshire’s rural and underserved areas, this is an essential step forward, enabling greater access to care and continuity of services for residents. As of now, Alabama, Nebraska, Ohio, and Tennessee have enacted this legislation, and additional states, including Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Mississippi, South Carolina, and New Hampshire, are introducing similar bills this session. By adopting this compact, New Hampshire can remain competitive in attracting and retaining highly qualified dietitians while supporting workforce mobility and addressing health disparities. In conclusion, passing the Dietitian Licensure Compact will enhance access to care, provide vital support for military families, and bolster workforce flexibility without compromising the rigorous standards that protect New Hampshire residents. I respectfully urge the committee to vote in favor of HB 145. Thank you for your consideration of this important legislation. Sincerely, Karen Revak, RDN, LD Mobile/Work Number (603) 860-8389.

To the Members of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony in support of HB145, a bill that aims to streamline the licensing process for dietitians, allowing them to practice across multiple states without the burdensome requirement of obtaining and maintaining separate licenses in each state. This legislation is not only practical but essential for improving access to quality healthcare and reducing unnecessary administrative hurdles. As someone who has personally experienced the challenges posed by the current system, I strongly support this bill. Recently, I sought the expertise of a dietitian who specializes in my particular health needs. Unfortunately, my insurance provider would not approve our virtual visits simply because the dietitian was licensed in Massachusetts while I reside in New Hampshire. Despite the universal nature of nutritional science and her qualifications, the state-based licensing barriers prevented me from receiving the care I needed. This limitation is both frustrating and counterproductive, especially in a time when telehealth has become a critical tool for delivering healthcare services. The current licensing structure not only impacts patients like me but also places an undue burden on dietitians. Some professionals are licensed in as many as four states, requiring them to navigate varying continuing education requirements, renewal timelines, and licensing fees. This fragmented approach consumes valuable time and resources that could be better spent serving patients. Furthermore, there is a growing shortage of qualified dietitians, making it even more important to remove unnecessary barriers that restrict access to care. The ability to consult with a dietitian should not depend on arbitrary state boundaries but rather on the practitioner’s expertise and the patient’s specific health needs. For example, a dietitian specializing in diabetes management should be able to treat patients with diabetes, regardless of their location. Insurance approval processes are already complicated and often serve as a barrier to care. By enabling dietitians to practice across state lines more easily, HB145 would help reduce one more obstacle that insurers use to deny claims, ultimately improving patient outcomes and access to specialized care. In closing, HB145 represents a crucial step toward modernizing healthcare delivery and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care, regardless of where they live. I urge you to support this bill and make it easier for qualified dietitians to provide the services that so many of us rely on. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Alison Milioto

Melanie McAuliffe 31 Acadia Lane, Exeter, New Hampshire 03833 January 22, 2025 I am writing as a registered dietitian residing in Exeter, New Hampshire, to express my strong support for HB 145, the Dietitian Licensure Compact. The Dietitian Licensure Compact is modeled after other proven compacts already approved in New Hampshire, including those for physical therapy, occupational therapy, PSYPACT, counseling, and speech-language pathology. This reliable framework ensures consistency while upholding New Hampshire’s high standards for dietitians, reflecting our shared commitment to safe and qualified care for all residents. One of the key advantages of this compact is its positive impact on military families. With frequent relocations, military members and their spouses often face barriers to maintaining professional licensure. The compact streamlines this process, allowing for continuity in their careers while reducing delays and easing transitions. Moreover, the compact supports the growth of telehealth services by simplifying interstate practice. For New Hampshire’s rural and underserved areas, this is an essential step forward, enabling greater access to care and continuity of services for residents. As of now, Alabama, Nebraska, Ohio, and Tennessee have enacted this legislation, and additional states, including Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Mississippi, South Carolina, and New Hampshire, are introducing similar bills this session. By adopting this compact, New Hampshire can remain competitive in attracting and retaining highly qualified dietitians while supporting workforce mobility and addressing health disparities. In conclusion, passing the Dietitian Licensure Compact will enhance access to care, provide vital support for military families, and bolster workforce flexibility without compromising the rigorous standards that protect New Hampshire residents. I respectfully urge the committee to vote in favor of HB 145. Thank you for your consideration of this important legislation. Sincerely, Melanie McAuliffe, RDN, LDN

Kristin Hirst 20 Stillwater Dr Amherst, NH 1/22/2025 I am writing as a registered dietitian residing in Amherst, New Hampshire, to express my strong support for HB 145, the Dietitian Licensure Compact. The Dietitian Licensure Compact is modeled after other proven compacts already approved in New Hampshire, including those for physical therapy, occupational therapy, PSYPACT, counseling, and speech-language pathology. This reliable framework ensures consistency while upholding New Hampshire’s high standards for dietitians, reflecting our shared commitment to safe and qualified care for all residents. One of the key advantages of this compact is its positive impact on military families. With frequent relocations, military members and their spouses often face barriers to maintaining professional licensure. The compact streamlines this process, allowing for continuity in their careers while reducing delays and easing transitions. Moreover, the compact supports the growth of telehealth services by simplifying interstate practice. For New Hampshire’s rural and underserved areas, this is an essential step forward, enabling greater access to care and continuity of services for residents. As of now, Alabama, Nebraska, Ohio, and Tennessee have enacted this legislation, and additional states, including Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Mississippi, South Carolina, and New Hampshire, are introducing similar bills this session. By adopting this compact, New Hampshire can remain competitive in attracting and retaining highly qualified dietitians while supporting workforce mobility and addressing health disparities. In conclusion, passing the Dietitian Licensure Compact will enhance access to care, provide vital support for military families, and bolster workforce flexibility without compromising the rigorous standards that protect New Hampshire residents. I respectfully urge the committee to vote in favor of HB 145. Thank you for your consideration of this important legislation. Sincerely, Kristin Hirst RDN, LD

Ann Petersson 57 Pillsbury, St Concord, NH 03301 1/17/2025 I am writing as a registered dietitian residing in Concord, New Hampshire, to express my strong support for HB 145, the Dietitian Licensure Compact. Moreover, I support HB 145 as the owner of a small business: Nutrition Works NH LLC; a private practice employing five registered dietitians in Downtown Concord. The Dietitian Licensure Compact is modeled after other proven compacts already approved in New Hampshire, including those for physical therapy, occupational therapy, PSYPACT, counseling, and speech-language pathology. This reliable framework ensures consistency while upholding New Hampshire’s high standards for dietitians, reflecting our shared commitment to safe and qualified care for all residents. One of the key advantages of this compact is its positive impact on military families. With frequent relocations, military members and their spouses often face barriers to maintaining professional licensure. The compact streamlines this process, allowing for continuity in their careers while reducing delays and easing transitions. Moreover, the compact supports the growth of telehealth services by simplifying interstate practice. For New Hampshire’s rural and underserved areas, this is an essential step forward, enabling greater access to care and continuity of services for residents. As of now, Alabama, Nebraska, Ohio, and Tennessee have enacted this legislation, and additional states, including Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Mississippi, South Carolina, and New Hampshire, are introducing similar bills this session. By adopting this compact, New Hampshire can remain competitive in attracting and retaining highly qualified dietitians while supporting workforce mobility and addressing health disparities. In conclusion, passing the Dietitian Licensure Compact will enhance access to care, provide vital support for military families, and bolster workforce flexibility without compromising the rigorous standards that protect New Hampshire residents. I respectfully urge the committee to vote in favor of HB 145. Thank you for your consideration of this important legislation. Sincerely, Ann Petersson, RDN, LD Owner, Nutrition Works NH LLC ann@nutritionworksnh.com 603-223-8119

I support this bill to provide more opportunity for US people to receive the care they need and deserve across state lines. This bill makes it easy for dietitians to provide care without an additional barrier.

I am writing as a registered dietitian residing in New London, New Hampshire, to express my strong support for HB 145, the Dietitian Licensure Compact. The Dietitian Licensure Compact is modeled after other proven compacts. This ensures consistency while upholding New Hampshire’s high standards for dietitians, reflecting our shared commitment to safe and qualified care for all residents. The public will be able to trust the care they are given by Licensed Dietitians. During my career I have worked in three different states with different barriers to maintaining professional licensure. The compact streamlines this process, allowing for continuity of my career while reducing delays and easing transitions. I respectfully urge the committee to vote in favor of HB 145. Thank you for your consideration of this important legislation. Sincerely, Grace S Menzel. MS. RDN, LD Consulting Dietitian

Rebecca Schubert 33 Shepherd Rd. Farmington, NH 03835 January 20, 2025 I am writing as a registered dietitian residing in Farmington, New Hampshire, to express my strong support for HB 145, the Dietitian Licensure Compact. The Dietitian Licensure Compact is modeled after other proven compacts already approved in New Hampshire, including those for physical therapy, occupational therapy, PSYPACT, counseling, and speech-language pathology. This reliable framework ensures consistency while upholding New Hampshire’s high standards for dietitians, reflecting our shared commitment to safe and qualified care for all residents. One of the key advantages of this compact is its positive impact on military families. With frequent relocations, military members and their spouses often face barriers to maintaining professional licensure. The compact streamlines this process, allowing for continuity in their careers while reducing delays and easing transitions. Moreover, the compact supports the growth of telehealth services by simplifying interstate practice. For New Hampshire’s rural and underserved areas, this is an essential step forward, enabling greater access to care and continuity of services for residents. As of now, Alabama, Nebraska, Ohio, and Tennessee have enacted this legislation, and additional states, including Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Mississippi, South Carolina, and New Hampshire, are introducing similar bills this session. By adopting this compact, New Hampshire can remain competitive in attracting and retaining highly qualified dietitians while supporting workforce mobility and addressing health disparities. In conclusion, passing the Dietitian Licensure Compact will enhance access to care, provide vital support for military families, and bolster workforce flexibility without compromising the rigorous standards that protect New Hampshire residents. I respectfully urge the committee to vote in favor of HB 145. Thank you for your consideration of this important legislation. Sincerely, Rebecca Schubert, MS RDN LD (802) 558 5351 onestepnutritioncoach@gmail.com

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