The Illinois Dietitian Act's 2028 Sunset

Every section of Illinois's Dietitian Nutritionist Practice Act carries the same note at the top: "(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)." That is not a typo and not, by itself, a sign the law is going away. It is how Illinois runs its Regulatory Sunset Act, which gives licensing laws an end date the legislature has to revisit.

For Illinois licensed dietitian nutritionists (LDNs), and for telehealth dietitians who hold an Illinois license for out-of-state clients, the date is worth understanding, because it falls two months after the next statewide renewal.

What does the sunset law actually say?

Section 4.38 of the Regulatory Sunset Act lists "Acts repealed on January 1, 2028," and the Dietitian Nutritionist Practice Act is on the list (5 ILCS 80/4.38). It has company. The same section lists the Nurse Practice Act, the Pharmacy Practice Act, the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987, the Podiatric Medical Practice Act of 1987, the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act, the Illinois Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Practice Act, the Behavior Analyst Licensing Act and others.

The section's source note shows it was last amended by Public Act 104-296, effective August 15, 2025. In other words, the list is something the General Assembly edits.

Which rules would be at stake?

The Act is what makes Illinois a practice-restricted state for medical nutrition therapy. Today:

• A license is required for MNT. "No person may provide, offer to provide, or attempt to provide medical nutrition therapy... unless the person is licensed in accordance with this Act" (225 ILCS 30/15(a)).
• The titles are protected. Only an Illinois licensee may use "licensed dietitian nutritionist," "dietitian nutritionist," "dietitian" or "L.D.N." (30/80).
• General wellness work is open. General nonmedical nutrition information, prevention and wellness recommendations, health coaching and nonmedical weight control are exempt if they are not MNT and the person uses no restricted title (30/20(j)).
• There is a bridge for out-of-state licensees. Someone licensed elsewhere who has applied for an Illinois license may provide MNT until six months after filing, or until the application is withdrawn or denied (30/15(b)).
• Endorsement exists. The Department may license, without examination, a dietitian or nutritionist licensed or certified in another state whose requirements were substantially equal at the time of licensure (30/75).

We will not guess what would replace these rules if the Act lapsed, because nothing has been enacted to say. The practical point is that the date sits on the calendar of every Illinois licensee.

How does the sunset line up with renewal?

Closely. Illinois LDN licenses "expire on October 31 of each odd-numbered year," renewal requires 30 hours of continuing education, and a licensee may renew during the month before expiration (68 Ill. Admin. Code 1245.300). The next expiration is October 31, 2027. The scheduled repeal is January 1, 2028.

So an Illinois LDN will renew in October 2027 under the law as it stands, with the sunset still pending unless the legislature has acted by then. Practicing "while a license is not active" is unlicensed practice under the same rule, so letting the license lapse in anticipation of a sunset would be a mistake.

What should Illinois licensees do now?

1. Keep the license current. Plan the 30 hours and the October 2027 renewal as usual.
2. Watch the General Assembly. Look for bills amending 5 ILCS 80/4.38 or the Dietitian Nutritionist Practice Act's repeal date. IDFPR's notices and the General Assembly's bill search are the places to check.
3. Keep your other licenses in order. If you serve Illinois clients from another state, your home license and CDR registration matter whatever happens.
4. Keep CDR current. The RD is one of the credentials Illinois accepts toward licensure: the Act provides an exam waiver for registered dietitians, certified nutrition specialists and ACBN diplomates (30/45).

Should applicants still apply for an Illinois license?

If you have Illinois clients who need MNT, yes. The law requires the license today, and the sunset date does not change that. An applicant has 3 years from the date of application to complete the process (30/35 and 30/75), and the six-month bridge for out-of-state licensees starts when you file. See getting an Illinois LDN license and Illinois dietitian licensing.

Does the Dietitian Compact change anything for Illinois?

No. The compact's map data shows "No Active Legislation" for Illinois, and the compact is not issuing privileges anywhere yet. CDR's compact page says that if you live in a state that is not part of the compact, you cannot use it. Illinois residents and Illinois clients depend on the Illinois license. See which states have joined the compact.

How can we help Illinois licensees and applicants?

Our Annual Renewal & CE Compliance service ($299 per license, per year) tracks your 30 hours, the October 31, 2027 deadline and any legislative change to the Act, alongside your other licenses and CDR. For new Illinois applicants, our License by Endorsement service ($599) or Full State License Application service ($749) prepares and tracks the file. You review and sign the application, pay IDFPR and submit it. Board fees are separate.