New York · private practice guide
Starting a dietitian private practice in New York
New York's Education Law Article 157 governs use of the titles “certified dietitian” and “certified nutritionist,” administered by the State Education Department. The SHIELD Act's data-security rule, the NYC Unincorporated Business Tax and the LLC publication rule are the main business differences.
Credential: Certified Dietitian / Certified Nutritionist (CDN) — title certification by NYSED
Official source: NYSED Office of the Professions — Dietetics-Nutrition
Credential and scope
- Article 157 (§8000) applies to use of the titles “certified dietitian” and “certified nutritionist”; use “CDN” only while certified with NYSED.
- Add your CDN number and NPI to superbills.
Data security: SHIELD Act
- General Business Law §899-bb requires anyone who owns or licenses computerized private information of New York residents to maintain reasonable safeguards; small businesses' safeguards are scaled to their size and complexity.
- A business that is subject to and in compliance with HIPAA's security regulations is treated as compliant.
- For a solo practice: 2-factor login on your EHR and email, encrypted devices, and a short written note of what you do.
Business and tax
- New York City's Unincorporated Business Tax applies to trades and professions of individuals and LLCs; the rate is 4% of income allocated to the City, with a full credit when liability is $3,400 or less (per NYC Department of Finance).
- LLC Law §206 requires a new LLC to publish notice in two designated newspapers within 120 days after formation and file proof with the Department of State.
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
- NYSED Office of the Professions — Dietetics-Nutrition
- Education Law Article 157
- General Business Law §899-bb (SHIELD Act)
- NYC Finance — Unincorporated Business Tax
- LLC Law §206 (publication)
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.
NY launch checklist
- ☐ CDN certification current
- ☐ Individual NPI
- ☐ SHIELD Act safeguards written down
- ☐ 2-factor login everywhere
- ☐ NYC UBT check (if in NYC)
- ☐ LLC publication completed
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Questions
Do dietitians need a license in New York?
New York's Article 157 governs the titles certified dietitian and certified nutritionist (CDN) through NYSED. Check the Office of the Professions for current rules.
What does the SHIELD Act mean for a small practice?
You need reasonable, size-appropriate safeguards for private information; HIPAA-compliant businesses are treated as compliant.
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.
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