SB 2579 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Dieticians and Nutritionists - As enacted, enacts the "Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Act." - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 63.

SB 2579, the "Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Act," establishes new licensure requirements for dietitians and nutritionists in Tennessee, replacing current standards. It defines key terms like "medical nutrition therapy" (for treating health conditions) versus "general non-medical nutrition information," and creates distinctions between "complex" (high-acuity medical cases) and "non-complex" care. The bill expands the governing board from five to nine members and sets minimum education and competency standards for licensed practitioners. This directly affects dietitians, nutritionists, and the public seeking these services, clarifying who can provide medical nutrition care versus general dietary advice.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Last action May 26, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
22
Key actions
8
Committee
9
Mar 17, 2026
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 9, Nays 0 PNV 0
upper
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Health and Welfare Committee to 3/18/2026
lower
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/17/2026
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Health and Welfare Committee to 3/11/2026
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/11/2026
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Health and Welfare Committee
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/4/2026
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Government Operations Committee calendar for 2/25/2026
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Government Operations Committee
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Bobby Harshbarger
Bobby Harshbarger
RRepublican
TN
4