Public Policy Panel Update

Melissa Castelluzzo, RD, CD-NCDA 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)

• 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&dphNav=|&dphNav_GID=1821

Professional Regulation/Title:Certification (CD-N)

• 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!