Missouri Dietitian Licensing and the Compact

Missouri licenses dietitians under the Dietitian Practice Act, RSMo 324.200 to 324.225. The State Committee of Dietitians, within the Division of Professional Registration, issues the license. Missouri restricts both the title and paid practice: "No person shall practice or offer to practice dietetics in this state for compensation or use any title, sign, abbreviation, card, or device to indicate that such person is practicing dietetics unless he or she has been duly licensed" (RSMo 324.205.2).

The committee's own page puts it simply: "Unless an individual falls into one of the exceptions to licensure contained in section 324.206, RSMo, you must hold a license from the Committee in order to practice as a dietitian. This includes all new graduates."

Which titles does Missouri protect?

A licensee may use "Dietitian," "L.D." or "L.D.N.," and "no other person" may use them or any other device indicating they are a licensed dietitian (324.205.1). Using the title without a license is a class A misdemeanor (324.205.3). The statute defines medical nutrition therapy as "the provision of nutrition care services for the treatment or management of a disease or medical condition," and includes it in dietetic practice (324.200).

Who is exempt, and what must they disclose?

Section 324.206 lets several groups do some of the same work, as long as they do not hold themselves out as dietitians: self-care and unpaid help from family or friends, military and federal staff, other licensed health care providers within their scope, students in approved programs, people selling food and supplements, and anyone furnishing general nutrition information. It also covers "a person credentialed in the field of nutrition" giving advice "to the extent such acts are within the scope of practice listed by the credentialing body and do not constitute medical nutrition therapy."

That last group must give the client, before providing the service, their name and title, business address and phone number, a statement that they are "not a dietitian licensed by the state of Missouri," a statement that the advice "may be considered alternative care by licensed practitioners in the state of Missouri," and their qualifications (324.206.2).

What does Missouri require for a license?

RSMo 324.210 sets the qualifications:

• The applicant must be at least 21 years old. Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington set 18, so new graduates should check this first.
• Completion of an ACEND-approved or accredited didactic program in dietetics and at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Foreign degrees must be validated, and validation does not replace the didactic program verification statement.
• Completion of a supervised practice requirement.
• A passing score on the exam the committee sets, plus "a current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration." The committee may waive the exam for an applicant with current CDR registration.

The application is made "under oath or affirmation," subject to the penalties for a false affidavit or declaration (324.212.1).

Why does the CDR card matter so much in Missouri?

Because Missouri checks it twice. The committee's page says the CDR registration card "is required at the time of licensure and renewal," and "must contain the applicant/licensees' signature and a current registration period." An unsigned card, or one without a current registration period, does not meet that description. Because the card is required at renewal, a lapse in CDR registration also puts your Missouri renewal at risk, so keep both calendars aligned. Our post on CDR recertification and state renewal covers that.

What if a Missouri license lapses?

The statute gives two years. A license becomes noncurrent if renewal information or fees are not provided, and "the license shall be reinstated if, within two years of the renewal date, the applicant submits the required documentation and pays the applicable fees" (324.212.2). A licensee may also choose inactive status, renewed biennially, but may not practice while inactive or lapsed. Anyone who does "shall be considered an illegal practitioner" (324.216).

The committee sets fees by rule (324.212.4). Licensees renew through MOPRO, the Division's online system. Check the committee's current fee schedule and renewal date before you plan.

Does Missouri license dietitians from other states?

Missouri's route for experienced dietitians is the same as for new ones: meet the 324.210 qualifications, including current CDR registration. Section 324.215.2 separately lets the committee license a dietitian with a valid current license "to practice dietetics or medical nutrition therapy in another country" whose requirements are substantially equal or greater. For a U.S. RDN, the CDR route is the one that applies. See license by endorsement.

Does Missouri's compact membership change anything?

Missouri enacted the Dietitian Licensure Compact in 2026. No state issues compact privileges yet, and CDR expects the first ones sometime in 2027. For now, an out-of-state RDN practicing dietetics for compensation with Missouri clients needs a Missouri license, and a Missouri RDN serving other states needs a credential in each state that requires one. See which states have joined the Dietitian Compact.

How can we help with a Missouri license?

Our License by Endorsement (RDN) service, $599 per state, checks your CDR card against the committee's requirements before anything is filed, prepares the sworn application for your review and tracks it through the committee. Annual Renewal & CE Compliance, $299 per license, per year, keeps your Missouri renewal and your CDR maintenance in step. You sign, pay the committee and submit. State fees are separate. The Missouri state page has the summary.