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Spotlight: Taking a Stand Against Non Licensed Nutritionists, Health Coachest, Trainers....

As I enter into my 6th year of practice I realize I face different challenges than when Kindred Nutrition was created.  Upon opening I battled with insurance, branding, and choosing a location.  I worked to create cohesive relationships with the medical community in Frederick and Montgomery Counties and value every relationship I have.  All were interesting challenges that helped Kindred Nutrition grow successfully into the community it is today.

The last year, however has had different challenges. The largest by far is battling all the misinformation that is provided by the internet,by those who are not licensed or educated to provide nutrition information, all the super claims, super foods, super pills and more. I could go on forever.

As I've published before, dietitians are so lucky to live in the state of Maryland. As of 10/1/2014 there was an addendum signed to our licensure that allows for civil penalties for Unauthorized Practice.  I have to ask myself though, who is regulating this?  I'm sad to announce that many individuals, practices, and groups continue to allow unlicensed nutritionists, health coaches,trainers or nutrition therapists to practice without the proper licensure or training and it's time to take a stand to protect my community.

As a Registered Dietitian and one who worked hard to graduate Cum Laude and complete my hundreds of hours of Didactic experience  I'm taking a stand to protect current clients, potential clients, and the general public. Kindred Nutrition will be focusing on providing written letters to include information about the laws to practice nutrition in Maryland to any individual or group who is not licensed to do so. From there we will contact the licensing board as appropriate to investigate the individual and practice and counsel how to move forward to practice legally.

Weight Management is a science especially if you have any additional chronic condition, inflammation, or just plain erratic eating. Every condition requires a specialist who is licensed, registered, and continues continuing education to ensure they have the most up to date information to treat their clients or patients.  A registered dietitian understand the biochemistry of the body and can interpret labs and counsel on diet and exercise changes that can assist with normalizing deficiencies and more.Those who are not trained to understand how your body works, interpret labs, or understand basic medications and contraindications are not qualified to tell you Macros, provide supplementation recommendations, or to simply tell you to stay away from sugar.

I'm looking forward to strengthening this community and collaborate with licensed individuals. Does anyone want to join our team to strengthen our field?

In Good Health,

Amy Goldsmith RD, LDN





Comments

Megan Parker said…
Very good post, useful and well informative!

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February 28, 2016 at 11:14 AM
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