Section 5-101 - Definitions.

§ 5-101. Definitions.
 

(a)  In general.- In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 

(b)  Board.- "Board" means the State Board of Dietetic Practice. 

(c)  Certified nutrition specialist.- "Certified nutrition specialist" means an individual certified by the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists, the accrediting body of the American College of Nutrition. 

(d)  Dietitian-nutritionist.- "Dietitian-nutritionist" means, unless the context requires otherwise, an individual who is licensed by the Board to practice dietetics. 

(e)  License.- "License" means, unless the context requires otherwise, a license issued by the Board to practice dietetics. 

(f)  Medical device.-  

(1) "Medical device" means a health care product used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. 

(2) "Medical device" does not mean: 

(i) A drug; 

(ii) A surgical or dental instrument; 

(iii) Physical therapy equipment; 

(iv) X-ray apparatus; or 

(v) A component part or accessory of any of the items listed in this paragraph. 

(g)  Medical nutrition.- "Medical nutrition" means the nutritional advice or counsel provided to an individual by a licensee in their professional capacity that is designed for an individual to alleviate a specific physiological complaint, condition, or symptom. 

(h)  Practice dietetics.-  

(1) "Practice dietetics" means to apply the principles derived from integrating knowledge of food, biochemistry, physiology, management science, behavioral science, and social science to human nutrition. 

(2) "Practice dietetics" includes: 

(i) Assessing individual and community food practices and nutritional status using anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, dietary, and demographic data, for clinical, research, and program planning purposes; 

(ii) Developing, establishing, and evaluating nutritional care plans that establish priorities, goals, and objectives for meeting nutrient needs for individuals or groups; 

(iii) Nutrition counseling and education as a part of preventive or restorative health care throughout the life cycle; 

(iv) Determining, applying, and evaluating standards for food and nutrition services; and 

(v) Applying scientific research to the role of food in the maintenance of health and the treatment of disease. 

(i)  Registered dietitian.- "Registered dietitian" means an individual registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the accrediting body of the American Dietetic Association. 

(j)  Supervision.- "Supervision" means the management of an individual who aids in the practice of dietetics by a licensed dietitian-nutritionist who may or may not be on the premises. 
 

[1985, ch. 773; 1986, ch. 703; 1990, ch. 6, § 11; 2004, ch. 439; 2006, ch. 382.]