Section 5-64.1-9 - Eligibility of dietary technicians(a) An individual who is a dietetic technician, having graduated from a dietetic technician program approved by the American Dietetic Association, but is not a member of D.M.A. nor certified by D.M.A., may qualify to sit for the credentialing exam.(b) Dietetic technicians who have graduated within the last five (5) years from a technician program approved by the American Dietetic Association may qualify for membership in D.M.A.(c)(1) An associate member shall be an individual who holds an associate, bachelors, or advanced degree in food service, health care, or a related field, and who pays the required annual associates membership fee.(2) The associate member may not vote or hold office per D.M.A. bylaws.(3) The individual with the associate, bachelors, or advanced degree, who elects to become an associate member in D.M.A., may qualify to sit for the exam. If that individual passes the exam, he or she shall be eligible to become certified.(4) When certified, he or she may use the initials C.D.M. That person must maintain certified status by earning continuing education clock hours and paying the annual certification fee.R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-64.1-9