Law No. 284 of 2022 establishing a mandatory Union for Nutrition and Meal Planning specialists in Lebanon.

This Law, comprising 52 articles organized into VI Chapters, establishes a single syndicate (a professional association) for nutrition and dietetics specialists, encompassing all professionals authorized by the Ministry of Public Health. Its primary mission is professional, health-related, scientific, and administrative, aiming to (i) protect and advance the profession: this includes safeguarding the moral and material rights of its members, elevating professional standards, and upholding ethical conduct; (ii) promote continuous professional development: the syndicate will organize ongoing training to keep members updated with scientific advancements and will implement a mechanism for membership renewal; (iii) contribute to national health policy: the syndicate will collaborate with the Ministry of Public Health and other relevant bodies, provide input on legislation, participate in health planning committees, and encourage scientific research in nutrition; (iv) ensure professional conduct and accountability: It will mediate disputes, monitor members' adherence to professional standards, and take necessary disciplinary actions; (v) foster community and support: the syndicate will work to strengthen professional ties, establish a "House of Specialists," and publish a professional journal; (vi) establish a retirement fund for its members.
Membership is mandatory for practicing nutrition and dietetics in Lebanon under Article 3. Eligibility requires Lebanese citizenship, civil rights, no disqualifying criminal convictions, and holding all necessary qualifications as per Law No. 623 of 2004. Applicants must submit certified copies of their university degree and practice license from the Ministry of Public Health. The syndicate board will review applications within two months, and rejected applicants have the right to appeal to the Civil Court of Appeal in Beirut. Article 13 establishes that the Ordinary General Assembly of the syndicate is responsible for setting general recommendations for syndicate activities, electing the syndicate council, the president, and two disciplinary board members, and approving decisions presented by the council. It also discusses financial reports, approves the annual budget and accounts, addresses agenda items, and sets membership and annual subscription fees. The Extraordinary General Assembly, on the other hand, convenes to address urgent professional matters, manage syndicate funds, amend the internal bylaws, and can even decide to dissolve the syndicate.