Want to avoid legal troubles? You need to know this.
My Health Coach Training Program failed on this front.
Hey Fertile Guides!
How familiar are you with your state laws surrounding your profession? If you’re a licensed healthcare provider, the scope of practice is clearly defined and you likely are already aware of your capabilities. But if you’re a coach or unlicensed nutrition practitioner (i.e. NTP, BCHN), things may be a bit murkier.
For health coaches/nutrition practitioners, your scope of practice falls under the nutrition laws of your state or country. In the US - some states give the green light for health coaches/unlicensed nutrition practitioners to practice personalized nutrition, but in others, any nutrition counseling could be a felony offense. Being intimately familiar with your state’s regulations is critical to practicing without a legal threat.
Here are my tips for practicing as a coach within the law:
Become intimately familiar with what you can and cannot do in your state/country. Across the board, health coaches and unlicensed nutrition professionals cannot run labwork, interpret labs, apply medical nutrition therapy, or assume the title “Dietitian.”
Ally yourself with licensed healthcare providers that you can collaborate with. Become well-connected with licensed providers that you can refer out to for things that are beyond your scope of practice.
Join a professional network, if you qualify. Be selective, as not all organizations have a positive reputation outside of alternative circles. Being associated with one (i.e. NANP) will unlock professional resources and legal guidance, should you need it.
Invest in insurance. If you’re actively seeing clients, this is a worthwhile expense.
Use disclaimers everywhere. Instagram, your website, blog posts, and client paperwork - be unapologetic that you are not a doctor or licensed care provider and your insight/content does not constitute medical advice. Consult a lawyer for help in solidifying your exact wording.