summary
Introduced
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §30-35-7a; and to amend the code by adding a new article, designated §30-35A-1, §30-35A-2, §30-35A-3, §30-35A-4, §30-35A-5, §30-35A-6, §30-35A-7, §30-35A-8, §30-35A-9, §30-35A-10, §30-35A-11, §30-35A-12, §30-35A-13, and §30-35A-14, relating to enacting the Dietitian Licensure Compact; requiring applicants seeking to practice in a remote state pursuant to the compact to submit to national and state criminal record background check as condition of eligibility for compact privilege; mandating such applicants to submit fingerprints and to authorize the board, West Virginia State Police, and Federal Bureau of Investigation to use records submitted to screen applicants; prohibiting release of background check results; providing for exceptions; establishing that background check records are not public records; obligating applicants to complete background check immediately after application for privilege to practice; requiring applicants to pay costs of fingerprinting and background check; and authorizing rulemaking and emergency rulemaking; providing for a purpose; providing for definitions; providing requirements for state participation in the compact; requirements to exercise the compact privilege; requirements for a licensee to hold a home state license based on a compact privilege; requiring criminal background check and setting educational and other requirements for a licensed dietitian; authorizing member state to charge fee for granting compact privilege; providing for state participation in the compact; establishing the privilege to practice in member states; providing for change in primary state or residence procedures relating to licensing for active duty military personnel and their spouses; providing for procedures relating to duties, meetings, responsibilities, and adverse actions; establishing the dietitian licensure compact commission; providing for membership, powers and duties of the commission; and providing for an executive committee; providing for a data system available for use among the member states; providing for rulemaking authority of the commission; providing for dispute resolution, and enforcement provisions of the commission among the member states; providing for date of implementation among the member states; providing for applicability of the existing rules at the time a new member state joins the commission; providing for withdrawal of any member states and conditions that must be met until withdrawal is effective; providing for a six-month period before withdrawal is effective; providing for construction and severability of the provisions of the compact; and providing for a binding effect of the laws and rules of the compact among the member states.
AI Summary
This bill enacts the Dietitian Licensure Compact, establishing a framework for dietitians to practice across state lines more easily while maintaining public safety. Key provisions include requiring applicants seeking to practice in a remote state (a state other than their home state) under the compact to undergo national and state criminal background checks, including fingerprint submission and authorization for record use by law enforcement agencies; these background check results are confidential and not public records. The bill also outlines the purpose of the compact, which is to improve public access to dietitian services by allowing licensed dietitians who meet uniform requirements to practice in multiple states without needing individual licenses in each, thereby reducing administrative burdens. It defines important terms like "compact privilege" (legal authorization to practice in a remote state), "home state" (the licensee's primary state of residence), and "remote state." The bill details the requirements for states to participate in the compact, including having a licensing and complaint investigation mechanism, and mandates that licensees maintain an unencumbered license in their home state to exercise a compact privilege. It also addresses specific provisions for active military members and their spouses regarding home state designation, and establishes procedures for adverse actions, where only the home state can take action against a licensee's home state license, while remote states can take action against the compact privilege within their borders. Furthermore, the bill creates the Dietitian Licensure Compact Commission, a joint government agency composed of delegates from member states, to oversee the compact's implementation, including rulemaking, dispute resolution, and enforcement. A data system will be maintained by the commission to share information among member states. The compact will become effective when enacted by the seventh member state, and provisions are made for withdrawal, amendment, and severability of the compact's provisions.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (8)
Wayne Clark (R)*,
Ryan Browning (R),
Kathie Crouse (R),
Joe Funkhouser (R),
Mike Hite (R),
Chuck Horst (R),
Larry Kump (R),
Evan Worrell (R),
Last Action
To Government Organization (on 02/12/2026)
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