Florida LDNs
Licensed Dietitians/Nutritionists

POLICY ANALYST

Ms. Abbey Folsom, MS, CNS®, LDN is an expert policy analyst on nutrition, healthcare, and disability. Her skill is dissecting discrepancies in policy at the Federal level and as practically implemented in Florida.

The Florida Legislature, with good intentions, enacted regulations to protect public health. The Florida Department of Health upholds those rigorous standards of licensure. The Florida Board of Medicine supervises the The Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council. An active Dietitian/Nutrition license is required to receive remuneration for clinical nutrition services. Eligibility for nutrition licensure depends on which credential you hold. Credentialing is based upon meeting specific programs, degrees, and experience requirements. Ultimately the following three credentialing bodies are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence.

Ms. Folsom’s Nutrition Advocacy Includes:

  • 2016 Licensure case changed FL law: F.S. 468.509(3)(b)/Rule 64B8-42.002 *FIRST CNS®!

  • 2017 Capitol Hill Day advocacy for billable Medical Nutrition Therapy: Diabetes in Medicare Act (HR 3124/S 1299) and HSA Act (HR 1175/S 403)

  • 2018 Medicare credentialing

  • 2020 Advocated for LDNs to order labs -Rule change 64B8-44.007(7) Standards of Practice, under Chapter 468, Part X, F.S.

  • 2022 Labcorp account, first LDN Nationwide

  • 2023 Medicaid credentialing as first outpatient LDN

  • 2024 SMMC plans, HMO, PPO and Veteran Affairs Community Care Network Southeastern contract

  • 2025 FRA Kidney Day Committee Chair; Special Needs Plan contract

  • Dedication to perseverance!

  • ACBN provides the Diplomate, American Clinical Board of Nutrition DACBN credential.
    ~Requirements Professionals beyond PhD level, more like a fellowship.

  • BCNS provides the Certified Nutrition Specialist® CNS credential requires:
    ~Master of Science degree in Nutrition &
    ~1000 hours of Supervised Practice Experience SPE.

    • Approved to provide Supervised Practice Experience SPE!

      • For grad students and post-grads who meet course requirements as CNS® candidates, and need SPE clinical competencies.

    • INQUIRIES Please email your Curriculum Vitae and Letter of Intent to introduce yourself, what you seek, your experience, and why you should be chosen for CNS® SPE Internship.

      *NO solicitations, please.

  • Provides the Registered Dietitian RD credential.
    ~Requires Bachelor degree, and 900 hours of CDR-approved internship.
    ~The preceptor or supervisor must be an RD/LDN.