The practice of dietetics and nutrition, including the provision of medical nutrition therapy, in the State of Illinois is hereby declared to affect the public health, safety, and welfare and to be subject to regulation and control in the public interest. It is further declared that the practice of dietetics and nutrition services plays an important part in the attainment and maintenance of health and that it is in the public’s best interest that persons who present themselves as providers of nutrition care services meet specific requirements and qualifications. This Act shall be liberally construed to best carry out these objectives and purposes.