Laura Waldo, NANP Legislative Affairs Specialist

In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, we welcome back Laura Waldo, the NANP Legislative Affairs Specialist. She shares all that NANP Legislative Affairs has been working on this legislative session. Dianne and Laura also take a deep dive into what the Scope of Practice is for Holistic Nutrition Professionals.

About Laura Waldo, NTP, BCHN®

Laura Waldo has more than 20 years of experience in the Information Technology sector where she worked as a consultant with Government and Private Industry clients. She became passionate about nutrition when her toddler son became extremely ill and a diagnosis eluded the medical community. Laura began learning about the healing power of food, and with the urging of family, and friends in the Holistic Community, she returned to school, graduating from the Nutritional Therapy Association in 2013.

Laura opened her nutrition practice in Virginia but became frustrated hearing stories of practitioners who were unable to work due to restrictive laws in the States where they resided. In 2017 Laura began her journey of grassroots advocacy and policy change as the Deputy Director of the Council of Holistic Health Educators. Now at the NANP, Laura works diligently to promote the rights of our members to practice nutrition without legislative threats.

She maintains her private nutrition practice, home-schools her son, and is excited to work with the NANP, aiding practitioners and advocating policy change at the State level.

In this episode Laura and Dianne discuss:

02:00 – What the Legislative Affairs division of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) is and what they do
04:18 – NANP student membership through Nutrition Therapy Institute
04:50 – Recent legislative wins for holistic nutrition practitioners in restrictive practice states
07:31 – The scope of practice for Holistic Nutrition Professionals (all NTI graduates)
09:18 – “Support optimal wellness” to stay within the scope of practice
09:55 – Current legislative actions that are in progress
10:38 – Specific bills in Pennsylvania and Michigan
11:22 – The evidence that is used to substantiate the need to keep practice laws open for Holistic Nutrition Professionals
15:02 – The three legislative classifications that dictate the ability of Holistic Nutrition Professionals to practice in the United States— Exclusive Scope of Practice, Title Protection, and No Law or Certification
17:55 – Laws by state: NANP Legislative Affairs Division Map
19:28 – Using the correct title
20:39 – The difference between a Nutritionist and a Holistic Nutrition Professional
25:00 – Key advice for practicing within the scope of practice in restrictive states
27:50 – Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition (BCHN) practice opportunities in restrictive states
33:53 – Information about providing telehealth services across state lines
42:42 – Important reminder for all practitioners
46:27 – How to contact Laura Waldo

NTI’s PodTalk is available on all major podcast platforms! Find us by searching “NTI PodTalk” in your favorite podcast platform or by following any of the links below.

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Related episodes:

Becoming Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®

Laura Waldo from NANP (the first episode with Laura)

Nutrition Therapist Chat with NTI Instructors

NANP Podcast Hosts: Diana Walley and Kristen Burkett

Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master or Natural Food Chef?

Learn more about NTI’s Nutrition Therapist Master Certification with program information and application requirements or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.

This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.