Answer:
These persons must be under the "direct supervision" of a licensed dietitian/nutritionist or licensed nutritionist in a manner which protects the public. Direct Supervision is defined in 21 NCAC 17 .0401 and supervisors are required to:
(A) be available for consultation on delegated nutrition care activities being performed by the person being supervised, either through on-site or through electronic communication, and shall be available to render assistance when needed to the unlicensed personnel and patient or client, or shall have arranged for another licensee to be available in the absence of the licensed dietitian/nutritionist, licensed nutritionist, or other licensed health care practitioner whose licensed scope of practice includes the practice of dietetics or nutrition;
(B) directly and personally examine, evaluate, and approve the acts or functions of the person supervised; and
(c) provide sufficient guidance and direction as to enable the unlicensed personnel to perform the delegated activity or function.
Full guidance for supervising unlicensed persons can be found in 21 NCAC 17 .0401.
For additional guidance on levels of supervision, for example between supervision of unlicensed persons vs. Provisional licensees, please refer to the NCBDN’s Guideline C.
