Transcript Public Policy Panel Update - Academy of Nutrition and

Public Policy Panel Update
Melissa Castelluzzo, RD, CD-N
CDA Public Policy Coordinator
PPW 2012
• Annual AND Nutrition Advocacy Workshop
• Several nutrition-related topics/bills chosen to review and
then discuss with Legislators
• 3 Day Workshop
Day 1 & 2 : Conferences/Networking, Topic Discussions
Day 3:
Capitol Hill Visits
• Great introduction on becoming a stronger advocate,
comfort in speaking with legislators
• This year—4 Topics Discussed (Farm Bill, Preventing Diabetes
in Medicare, Older Americans Act, Drug Shortage Act)
PPW 2012-Farm Bill
• Currently being discussed on the Senate Floor
• Largest Federal Piece of Food and Nutrition Legislation
• Provides funding for Food Assistance/Nutrition Programs
(SNAP, SNAP-Ed, CSFP, TEFAP, FFVP, Nutrition Research)
• Currently 28 million Americans participate in SNAP
• For every SNAP $1.00 the local economy increases by $1.73
• Provides opportunities for education and increased
awareness of the benefits of good nutrition
PPW 2012-Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act
• Provide coverage for MNT for those with pre-diabetes and risk
factors for developing diabetes
• Currently—Medicare covers MNT provided by RD’s for
diabetes and renal disease only
• 50% of Medicare participants are pre-diabetic
• People receiving MNT demonstrated weight loss, improved
insulin markers
• Diabetes is extremely costly to the economy- $174
billion/year
PPW 2012- Older Americans Act Reauthorization
• Provides nutrition, food, social programs for older adults
• Meals on Wheels, Congregate Dining
• Qualified nutrition staff, including RD’s should be at the local,
state and federal levels
• Should include a strong evidence-based nutrition component
• Benefits of the Program: Fewer Infections, Less Falls, Less
Hospitalizations, Stretches Money for medications
PPW 2012-Drug Shortage Act
• Would require drug manufacturers to notify Secretary of HHS
of possible shortage/interruption
• Currently RD’s, pharmacists, and doctors are not notified in
advance of a shortage
• Expand FDA’s authority to develop a better process and
solution
• Includes creation of a National Critical Drug List
• Important for better and quality patient care
Professional Regulation/Title:
Certification (CD-N)
• July 1994- Certification granted in state of CT by DPH
• Fee: $190 first year, $100 thereafter
• Requirements: 1) Registered Dietitian or 2) Passed a written
exam by commissioner and possesses at least Master’s
Degree
• Allows us to be reimbursed for MNT
• Take verbal orders from physicians
• Offers “Title Protection” meaning nobody else can legally call
themselves a CD-N
• Contains process for public to submit complaints
Professional Regulation/Title:
Certification (CD-N)
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What are our public policy goals as an association?
1) Increase recognition
2) Increase reimbursement
3) Protect the public
4) Title Protection
5) Strong scope of practice
Professional Title/Regulation:
Certification (CD-N)
• How to report a complaint to DPH:
http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3121&q=389520&d
phNav=|&dphNav_GID=1821
Professional Regulation/Title:
Certification (CD-N)
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Why all the fuss over our titles?
The Academy is encouraging states to become Licensed
Over 75% of affiliates currently Licensed or pursuing
CDA Board voted to explore/pursue—Licensure committee
Stronger form of regulation
Title Protection
Complaint Process
Certification Lacks:
*Scope of Practice
*Practice Exclusivity Clause
Professional Regulation/Title:
Certification (CD-N)
Next Steps:
- Develop Licensure Committee, Research
- Ongoing communication with AND Public Policy Leaders
- Strengthen relationships with legislators, insurance companies,
other healthcare organizations
- Hire a lobbyist
- Fundraising
Thank You!
Please visit our Public Policy Table for more
information and find out how to get involved.
We look forward to meeting you! 