# Health Occupations (GHO)

## Title 5. Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionists

### Subtitle 4. Prohibited Acts; Penalties

#### Section 5-401

Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person may not practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice dietetics in the State unless licensed by the Board.

#### Section 5-402

(a) Except as otherwise provided under this title, a person may not represent or imply to the public by use of the title "licensed dietitian-nutritionist", by other title, by description of services, methods, or procedures that the person is authorized to practice dietetics in the State.

(b) Unless authorized to practice dietetics under this title, a person may not use the words or terms "dietitian-nutritionist", "licensed dietitian-nutritionist", "LDN", "dietitian", "licensed dietitian", "D", "LD", "nutritionist", "licensed nutritionist", or "LN".

#### Section 5-403

(a) A person who violates Sec. 5-401 or Sec. 5-402 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.

(b) A person who violates Sec. 5-401 or Sec. 5-402 of this subtitle is subject to a civil fine not to exceed $50,000 to be assessed by the Board in accordance with regulations adopted by the Board.

#### Section 5-404

The Board may issue a cease and desist order or obtain injunctive relief for a violation of any provision of Sec. 5-401 or Sec. 5-402 of this subtitle.

#### Section 5-405

(a) An action may be maintained in the name of the State or the Board to enjoin:

  (1) The unauthorized practice of dietetics; or

  (2) Conduct that is a ground for disciplinary action under Sec. 5-311 of this title.

(b) An action under this section may be brought by:

  (1) The Board, in its own name;

  (2) The Attorney General, in the name of the State; or

  (3) A State's Attorney, in the name of the State.

(c) An action under this section shall be brought in the county where the defendant:

  (1) Resides; or

  (2) Engages in the act sought to be enjoined.

(d) Proof of actual damage or that any person will sustain any damage if an injunction is not granted is not required for an action under this section.

(e) An action under this section is in addition to and not instead of criminal prosecution for the unauthorized practice of dietetics under Sec. 5-401 of this subtitle or disciplinary action under Sec. 5-311 of this title.

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Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)