Alabama’s restrictive nutrition laws prevent qualified professionals from offering individual nutrition guidance. Currently, only licensed dietitians/nutritionists can provide personalized nutrition care, excluding many well-trained professionals. Our state ranks 48th in life expectancy, a statistic largely attributed to preventable health issues and a lack of education surrounding nutrition and lifestyle. As a certified Nutrition Therapy Practitioner, I—and many others—am unable to fully support our communities under these outdated regulations.

Expanding the law to include qualified practitioners beyond dietitians would give Alabamians more options for evidence-based nutrition education and support. Most other states allow a broader range of professionals to practice, increasing access to care and improving public health outcomes.

We urge lawmakers to amend Alabama’s Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act to create a more inclusive framework that allows qualified professionals to practice. Everyone deserves access to nutrition care. Sign this petition to support broader nutrition access and advocate for a healthier Alabama!