Licensure Updates

JULY 2025 | CA Academy Licensure Task Force Announces New Lobbying Firm

Silva Boumjahed, MS, RDN
Lisa Underwood, MBA, MS, LD, RDN
Co-Chairs Licensure Task Force (2025-2027)

Our journey toward licensure was reignited by a strong response to member interest. In Fall 2024, with guidance from the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, the CA Academy Executive Board moved forward with the development of the CA Academy Licensure Task Force. With co-chairs volunteering to lead, the Licensure Task Force is working to secure recognition of California-registered dietitians as providers of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) under state law.

Licensure is a long game, estimated to take 3 to 5 years, but rest assured, we are building on a solid foundation. Many other affiliates have successfully passed licensure bills, and we are following a structured guidance plan with the full support of the Academy, our new lobbying firm, Lighthouse Public Affairs, LLC, and an active, dedicated task force co-chaired by Silva Boumjahed and Lisa Underwood. We invite you to connect with your co-chairs, Silva and Lisa, to learn more.

With approximately 11,500 credentialed professionals in California, we trust that our members will support CA Academy’s efforts by actively engaging and volunteering at both the state and district levels.

As a new member, you may be wondering how licensure will shape your professional future. As a seasoned member, you may be reflecting on our long-standing journey toward licensure. All these thoughts, emotions and concerns are valid, and your voice matters in this process.

What’s the plan?

1. Communication: Expect consistent updates through our newsletters, dietitian.org, social media, town halls and annual conference.

2. Advocacy: The Licensure Task Force, under the Public Policy Council, is working in close partnership with our lobbying firm and the Academy to advance this legislative effort.

3. Member Engagement: Your participation is critical. Membership has declined significantly, and we need your help in encouraging colleagues to join or renew their Academy membership. A strong, united membership amplifies our voice. Licensure is an expensive and complex process, and your membership contributions directly support our advocacy efforts.

For more information, please contact Lisa Underwood and Silva Boumjahed at calicensure@dietitian.org.