Urgent Bulletin, Regarding New Laws In Austin!

URGENT BULLETIN:

All Nutritionists Could Soon Be Banned From Texas!

Legislation is being drafted which could remove your rights to seek nutritional counseling from the
provider of your choice. Here's what could happen if YOU don't act now!

THE THREAT: If the State Legislature makes it a law that only a Registered Dietitian can practice
nutritional counseling in Texas it would put all other Nutritionists out of business and close
the doors of many nutritional counseling centers throughout the state. There are only 3,195
Registered Dietitians in the State of Texas. Responsible and effective Nutritional Counseling is
being administered by many competent professionals who do not happen to hold that exact license
and degree.

This law could cause undue economic hardship by putting so many qualified individuals out of work
that have spent their lives legally practicing nutrition in the State of Texas. The economic impact
on loss of taxes to the state, loss of jobs in the marketplace, and reduced business to health food
stores, gyms, and other businesses that Nutritionist currently support could also occur.

THE ISSUE: A committee of State Legislators is being asked to consider a proposed practice act that
states, "no one in the State of Texas will be allowed to practice nutrition unless they are a
licensed Dietitian." This means that as early as June 2005 the Governor could sign a bill into law
that would outlaw anybody that currently gives nutritional advice making him or her subject to
severe fines and penalties unless they are a registered dietitian. If you want nutritional services
in the future you will not be allowed to be counseled by a CN, CCN, Clinical Nutritionist,
Homeopath, Nutritionist, personal trainer, PhD in nutrition or anyone other than a Registered
Dietitian.

THE SOLUTION: Keep the laws in place that were enacted in the 1983 Dietetic Act that clearly states
that anyone in the State of Texas can give nutritional counseling so long as they don't give
misleading or harmful advi ce. The Sunset Advisory Committee needs to hear from you now while this
legislation is being drafted. We must amend this language while it is being drafted so we can
protect nutritionists in the Legislature next year. Acting now could stop a law from passing which
would deny you the right to seek alternative nutritional counseling in Texas from someone other than
a Registered Dietitian.

Institute of Eating Management

4801 Woodway, Suite 300 West

Houston, TX 77056

Phone: 713)621-9339

January 13, 2004

Hey Everyone,

Keith Klein and Margo Pantoja, want to inform you about a few proposed changes to the
laws in Texas that could happen next year in Austin. A Practice Act is being proposed,
which would outlaw anyone in the State of Texas from practicing nutrition other than
licensed Registered Dietitians. That means that if and when this law is passed we would
be forced out of practice along with all other nutritionists that do not hold a
Registered Dietician's License. So, Clinical Nutritionists, Certified Clinical
Nutritionists, Homeopath's and other qualified counselors would no longer be able to
practice in our great State. In addition, this law would basically remove your right to
seek nutritional counseling from whomever you choose.

This legislation is just now being drafted and, if you feel as we do- that limiting Texan's access
to nutritional counseling in this way is bad policy- then now is the time to let your opinions' be
heard. The writers of this legislation need to hear from us in order to stop this from happening.
Kindly complete the attached form and email it to the Sunset Advisory Committee. This easy to use
form includes directions on how to file and submit your comments directly to the appropriate people
with the Sunset Committee. The more people that respond the greater our chances will be to either
stop this bill, or get it amended; adding language that allows nutritional counselors like ourselves
the ability to continue practicing in Texas.

We highly recommend that you email this form to as many of your co-workers, business associates,
friends and family members as possible, and urge them to pass this on. Since the Sunset Advisory
Committee will review the Dietitian Act soon, we are trying to make sure they are aware there is
strong opposition in this state, that Texans are opposed to the exclusion of other qualified
practitioners from practicing nutrition here in Texas.

Please continue this campaign until we know for certain that our voices have been heard and this
harmful legislation is either removed or amended. If you have any questions please email us at
Keith@eatingmanagement.com or Margo@eatingmanagement.com.


Sincerely,

Keith Klein- Nutritionist

Margo Pantoja- Nutritionist