1. (1) Professional dietetics and nutrition content area shall mean courses which include, but are not limited to, the following curricular areas:

   1. (i) principles of nutrition in health and disease;
   2. (ii) human nutrition needs throughout the life span;
   3. (iii) assessment and evaluation of the nutritional status of individuals, families, and communities;
   4. (iv) nutrient composition of food;
   5. (v) food service management, including but not limited to such topics as human resources, planning, purchasing, preparation and service, delivery, and sanitation;
   6. (vi) diet modifications;
   7. (vii) counseling, education, and communication skills;
   8. (viii) interpretation of nutrition information and its application; and
   9. (ix) ethics and professionalism.

2. (2) Human biological sciences and social and behavioral sciences content area shall mean courses which include, but are not limited to, the following curricular areas:

   1. (i) human biological sciences, including principles of biochemistry and physiology; and
   2. (ii) social and behavioral sciences, including cultural aspects.
3. (3) Certification shall mean certification to use the title certified dietitian, certified dietician, or certified nutritionist.

4. (4) Equivalent shall mean substantially the same, as determined by the department.

   (b) Curriculum.

   In addition to meeting all applicable provisions of this Part, to be registered as a program recognized as leading to certification which meets the requirements in section 79-6.2 of this Title, it shall be either:

5. (1) a program in dietetics or nutrition leading to the baccalaureate degree or higher academic credential which contains at least 45 semester hours, or the equivalent, of course work in the professional dietetics and nutrition content area; and at least 20 semester hours, or the equivalent, of course work in the human biological sciences and social and behavioral sciences content area; or
6. (2) a program in dietetics or nutrition leading to the associate degree which contains at least 30 semester hours, or the equivalent, of course work in the professional dietetics and nutrition content area; and at least 15 semester hours, or the equivalent, of course work in the human biological sciences and social and behavioral sciences content area.

(a) Definitions.

As used in this section: