The 2009 Practice Act: Strengthening the Profession of Dietetics Sara Peidle, RD LD El Paso Dietetic...
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Transcript of The 2009 Practice Act: Strengthening the Profession of Dietetics Sara Peidle, RD LD El Paso Dietetic...
The 2009 Practice Act: Strengthening the Profession of Dietetics
Sara Peidle, RD LD
El Paso Dietetic Association Legislative/Public Policy Chair
Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives Define and Explain the Texas House Bill
that encompasses the Practice Act Explain why the act is important to dietetic
professionals Explain basic legislative procedures for
getting a bill enacted Explanation of who the state senators and
state and district representatives are
Expected Outcomes
Participants will understand what the practice act and why it is important
Participants will have a better understanding of legislative procedures and the future of the Practice Act
Participants will know who the local and state senators and representatives are and how to contact them
Participants will understand what is needed of them to help to get this bill enacted
ADA Public Policy Priority Areas 2009-2010
Aging Child Nutrition Food and Food Safety Health Literacy and Nutrition Advancement Medical Nutrition Therapy and
Medicare/Medicaid Nutrition Monitoring and Research Obesity/Overweight/Healthy Weight
Management
TDA Public Policy Priority Areas 2009-2010
Support Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Child Nutrition
Obesity and Related Chronic Conditions Older Texans Health Care Cost Containment Medical
Nutrition Therapy Consumer Protection Recognition of the
Registered and Licensed Dietitian as the Nutrition Expert
The History of the Practice Act
1983: the original “Licensed Dietitian’s Act”
1999: Revision of the Practice Act-failed2007: Introduction of a new House Bill
with exemptions2008: Public Policy Workshop2009: H.B. 3528-Practice Act-September
1st, 2009
What does this bill cover?
“Nutrition Care Services”
“Nutrition Counseling Services”
Medical Nutrition Therapy
What exemptions will be made?
Physicians RetailersApproved weight control services,
Government employees (WIC Nutritionists)
Students of nutritionReligious affiliated groups
Who is a Licensed Nutrition Professional?
Use of the title “Dietitian” or Licensed Provisional Dietitian” and “Registered Dietitian”
Must submit application and fee to state boards
May or may not need to take CDR examination for non-registered dietitians
Minimum Baccalaureate degree in nutrition, 900 hours of supervised practice in U.S.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Three equal branches of government
Representative or Senator submits a bill idea
The bill is writtenThe first reading of the bill
The Committee Process
If the committee approves the bill-they may have made amendments
After the bill is reported, the committee staff prepares a written report explaining why they favor the bill and why they wish to see their amendments, if any, adopted.
The bill is placed on the House floor for consideration and eventually put to a vote
The bill is sent to the senate for a similar procedure
Sent to the President for a signature
Recent Events of HB 3528
Successful meetings with TMAPAC-Political Action CommitteeLobbyist HiredTDA and ADA CollaborationBill has been introduced
Recent Events of HB 3528
Currently left pending in the House Public Health Committee-2011
100 RD letters, 75 MD letters, 60 “other healthcare workers” letters collected by the public policy panel
TDA public policy panel met personally with lawmakers in April 28th
Change of the Speaker of the House
Nutrition Day at the Capital
Gave out “Top ten healthy snacks” pins to legislators and staff
Conducted free BMI checksProvided free snacks and water120 RD participantsFlooded the Capital Halls to greet
Legislators and hand out packets
Why HB 3528 died in committee
Things got started lateNo support from TMAChairwoman Kolkhorst did not like the
billVice Chairman Naishtat was against the
bill
Delaware’s Story
June 2009-Delaware’s Practice ActNow, a license is required to practice as
a “nutritionist” in Delaware Delaware is one of 16 states to require
licensure of registered dietitians and nutritionists
There is no longer a blurry fine line between the terms "registered dietitian" and "nutritionist."
What do we do next?
Win TMA’s support by finding mutually agreeable language
Nurture relationships with legislatorsBuild alliances with the communityIncrease member involvementEducate, educate, educate!More grassroots support!!!
Activities for Off-Season
Local district nutrition fairs Backyard Barbeques or Open Houses Visit legislators locally and offer resources Establish rapport with local community
organizations Drop off post card on the Practice Act to
physicians offices during scheduled appointments
What can you do?
If you are not registered to vote, do so Ask physicians you work with for support Report stories of adverse events to the Public
Policy Panel Encourage fellow RD’s to become ADA
members and licensed professionals Contribute to TDA-PAC Volunteer to serve on state and local health
related boards, coalitions and committees
What else can you do?
Sending letters to Texas State Representatives and Senators
Send letters/personally ask for MD letters to Texas State Representatives and Senators
Samples and Legislator information provided in handouts
Questions?