Certified Dietitian
In 1995,
the State of Wisconsin passed legislation to certify qualified nutrition
providers. The state credential assures consumers that Certified
Dietitians (CD) provide nutrition services that meet established professional
standards, and that only those legally qualified may use the term CD. Training
and education are very similar to that for a Registered Dietitian.
Wisconsin Dietitian's Affiliated Credentialing Board-Home page
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services -Credential look-up
(Note: On July 1, 2011- the Department of Regulation and Licensing (DRL) is now known as the Dept. of Safety & Professional Services)
The
Nuts and Bolts of Certification in Wisconsin
From the Wisconsin Dietitians Affiliated Credentialing Board
Reviewed by DACB-August 2010, updated Jan 2011
There are several facts about professional
regulation that members of WDA need to know. There are facts about professional
regulation that non-members of WDA who are Registered Dietitians need to know.
Who needs to be certified, how to become certified whether a new graduate or
a seasoned practitioner moving from another state, who needs a temporary certificate
and how to complete any of these tasks are necessary facts that all nutrition
practitioners need to know.
Who needs to be certified?
From a professional standpoint would you want to utilize the services of a
health
care provider
who is not regulated by your state?
How do you become certified?
The first step is to apply. The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) provides
everything you need to apply. For the new graduate, the application process
should be done in conjunction with the application to take the Registration
exam. Hopefully, advisors in internship programs are familiar with this process
and can assist new graduates. If you are a currently Registered Dietitian moving
to Wisconsin from another state that is regulated, you can apply for Certification
under reciprocity. If you are a Registered Dietitian who has never been certified
or licensed in Wisconsin or another state, you need to complete an application,
but you do not have to retake the registration exam. Your application will be
reviewed to assure it meets the criteria for certification (education, training
and Registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration). Those who are
not certified but would have qualified under the grandfather clause will need
to take the Registration exam in order to become certified.
Who needs a temporary certificate?
Anyone billing Medicare for Part B nutrition services must have a provider number
and must hold a credential (that is, in Wisconsin, be a Certified Dietitian
). Many employers require that you either are credentialed or have applied for
certification. Whether you need a temporary certificate should be clarified
by the employer in these circumstances.
How do I complete these tasks?
To obtain the needed forms,
contact the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) . This can be done by U.S.
mail, telephone or by logging onto the department’s website
Additional Notes
Like all departments in the state, the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
is faced with budget constraints in the coming fiscal year. In addition, changes
in gubernatorial leadership have changed the charge that state agencies will
employ. If a person has applied for any credentials from the department, progress
on granting that credential is available on line at the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) website. If questions remain individuals should contact the department
directly for further information.
The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) continues to enforce the practice
codes for professional regulation with the intent of protecting the public from
harm. It continues to belong to the public of the state of Wisconsin and will
respond to the public when public requests are made. Questions that
arise regarding professional certification should be directed to the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) for clarification.
Contact Information
To apply for
certification or if you have questions about your status, please contact:
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
P.O. Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708
Telephone:(608)
266-2811
http://dsps.wi.gov/
The website serves as the primary
vehicle to obtain a license application, get a complaint form, or monitor discipline
decisions by the licensing boards or the department. The website also provides
links to other state agencies and various professional associations. Other information
that can be obtained from the website includes: schedules of board meetings
and hearings, board meeting minutes, newsletters, a schedule of events and activities
updated daily, license application status, consumer information, and listings
of education and exam providers. Credential holders are now able to change their
address information on-line - a service that has been requested by licensees
for many years.
Wisconsin
Statutes and Code
Copies of the
Dietitians Statutes and Administrative Code can be seen on the webpage at: http://drl.wi.gov/board_code_detail.asp?boardid=14&locid=0
About
the Wisconsin Dietetic Association
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The Wisconsin Dietetic Association is the link to nutrition and health in Wisconsin. This professional organization promotes registered dietitians and dietetic technicians as the nutrition experts through membership, continuing education, and legislative activities. Members specialize in a variety of nutrition services including: Weight Loss
Celiac Disease
Healthy Lifestyle Promotion
Women's Health
Diabetes
Sports Nutrition
Heart Disease
Cancer Nutrition
Community Nutrition
Pediatric Nutrition
Complementary Medicine
Critical Care
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