Section 1245.300  Renewal

a)         In order to renew a license, a licensee shall be required to complete 30 hours of continuing education in accordance with Section 1245.310 of this Part.  The holder of a license may renew such license during the month preceding the expiration date by paying the required fee.

b)         In order for licensed nutrition counselors to renew their licenses for the October 31, 2003 renewal, the licensees will be required to complete and submit proof to the Department of 30 hours of continuing education, of which 24 hours shall be in medical nutrition therapy, that includes diet therapy, medical dietetics, clinical nutrition or the equivalent.

1)         "Medical nutrition therapy" means the component of nutrition care that deals with interpreting and recommending nutrient needs relative to medically prescribed diets, including, but not limited to, tube feedings, specialized intravenous solutions and specialized oral feedings; food and prescription drug interactions; and developing and managing food service operations whose chief function is nutrition care and providing medically prescribed diets.

2)         Courses or programs in medical nutrition therapy shall be provided by a continuing education sponsor approved pursuant to Section 1245.310(c) and may only be earned in the following manner:

A)        Verified attendance at or participation in a medical nutrition therapy program or course that is offered or sponsored by the sponsor; or

B)        Verified completion of a postgraduate training program (e.g., extern, residency or fellowship programs) or completion of a medical nutrition therapy course that is a part of the curriculum of a regionally accredited college or university.

No self study courses will be accepted.

3)         Proof of continuing education shall be in the form of a certificate of attendance or certificate of completion from an approval sponsor or a transcript from a college or university.

c)         All individuals will be issued a dietitian nutritionist license at the time to renewal.

d)         It is the responsibility of each licensee to notify the Department of any change of address.  Failure to receive a renewal form from the Department shall not constitute an excuse for failure to pay the renewal fee or to renew one's license.

(Source:  Amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 10228, effective June 26, 2003)