California · private practice guide
Starting a dietitian private practice in California
California does not issue a dietitian license. Instead, Business & Professions Code §2585 sets the qualifications anyone must meet to represent themselves as a “registered dietitian.” California's medical-privacy law and the $800 annual LLC tax are the main business differences.
Credential: No state dietitian license; the title “registered dietitian” is restricted by statute
Official source: California Business & Professions Code §§2585–2586.8
Credential and scope
- Under B&P Code §2585, anyone representing themselves as a registered dietitian must meet the statute's education, supervised-practice, examination and continuing-education requirements set by an agency recognized by the State Department of Public Health — in practice, keep your CDR registration current.
- B&P Code §2586 describes when a registered dietitian may provide medical nutrition therapy upon referral by a health care provider authorized to prescribe dietary treatment — read it if you work with referred patients.
- Put your CDR registration number and NPI on intake paperwork and superbills so payers can verify you.
Privacy: CMIA
- California's Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Civil Code §56 et seq.) restricts disclosure of medical information by providers of health care and gives individuals remedies for unauthorized disclosure.
- Get written authorization before sharing nutrition notes with a client's physician, family member or employer.
Telehealth
- B&P Code §2290.5 requires a health care provider, before using telehealth, to inform the patient and obtain verbal or written consent, documented in the patient's record.
Business and tax
- The Franchise Tax Board states that every LLC doing business or organized in California must pay an annual tax of $800, even if it is not conducting business — factor it into your fees.
- Check with your city or county about any local business license or tax registration.
Every state
Federal rules apply in every state too: the No Surprises Act generally requires a Good Faith Estimate for uninsured or self-pay clients, and HIPAA applies if you transmit health information electronically in connection with standard transactions such as insurance billing. Also check whether your state has joined the Dietitian Licensure Compact before seeing clients across state lines.
Sources checked
- B&P Code ch. 5.65 (§§2585–2586.8), California Legislative Information
- B&P Code §2290.5 (telehealth consent)
- Civil Code §56 et seq. (CMIA)
- Franchise Tax Board — Limited liability company
Sources last checked October 2026. Laws change; confirm current requirements with the official source before relying on them. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
CA launch checklist
- ☐ CDR registration current and number on paperwork
- ☐ Individual NPI
- ☐ CMIA-aware release form
- ☐ Telehealth consent documented in the record
- ☐ $800 LLC tax in your budget (if an LLC)
- ☐ Local business registration checked
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Questions
Do I need a license to practice as a dietitian in California?
California does not license dietitians, but B&P Code §2585 sets the qualifications required to represent yourself as a registered dietitian.
Do I need consent for telehealth in California?
Yes. B&P Code §2290.5 requires verbal or written consent before telehealth, documented in the patient's record.
Need the paperwork? DietitianDesk has the client agreement, intake form, superbill guide and SOAP templates — from $19.
General information, not legal, tax or billing advice. Laws and board rules change — confirm with the official source above before acting. Last reviewed October 2026.