Qualifications and Roles: Local Agency Qualified Nutritionist

The local agency has access to a qualified nutritionist to provide nutrition services to high-risk participants. The nutritionist has the following qualifications:

1. Has successfully completed a training program approved by the State agency on the provision of WIC nutrition services to high-risk participants AND
2. (Preferably) has credentials of a Registered Dietitian (R.D.) or eligibility for registration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Commission on Dietetic Registration; if applicable, has State license or certified as a nutritionist/dietitian OR
3. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in the field of nutrition from an accredited college or university OR
4. Holds a Master’s or Doctoral degree in nutrition from an accredited college or university.

The local agency ensures that the nutritionist performs the following roles and responsibilities:

1. Refers high-risk participants to other health-related and social services, as necessary.
2. Prescribes food packages to high-risk participants, as appropriate.
3. Develops individual care plans for high-risk participants.
4. Coordinates nutrition education, including breastfeeding promotion and support that is responsive to the identified needs/interests of each high-risk participant.
5. Documents providing referrals and conducting appropriate follow-up to referrals to high-risk participants.
6. Tracks high-risk participants’ progress in improving their health and document for outcomes.