Food as Medicine

The Academy is actively advocating for MNT services provided by RDNs. Here are a few recent key ways:

• Press Release: "State Medicaid Coverage for Nutrition Therapy Varies Widely" | "Medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian nutritionist is a proven, cost-effective solution to the prevention and management of chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and obesity," said registered dietitian nutritionist Deanne Brandstetter, the Academy's 2025-2026 President.
• Medicaid Mapping Project | The Academy's Medicaid Mapping Project set out to understand how states cover and regulate Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). The findings revealed significant differences between states, with wide variation in coverage policies, licensure requirements and billing practices.
• Op-Ed: "Academy CEO Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CAE, Advocates for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in RealClearHealth" | In an opinion editorial titled "Nutrition Therapy Should Anchor the Fight Against Obesity" published by RealClearHealth, Academy CEO Wylecia Wiggs Harris highlights the vital role MNT plays in obesity care.

Actions the Academy is taking to support sustainable payment models include:

• FNCE^® 2025 discussions: Along with our federal lobbying partner, BGR Group, the Academy hosted a conversation on advocacy and payment priorities, including updates on Medicare MNT expansion, telehealth reform and commercial payer strategy. The Policy and Payment Committee also hosted a roundtable with members to discuss reimbursement barriers and insights. As noted in Academy President Deanne Brandstetter's October President's Message, "These conversations are essential. Sustainable payment models are one of the key ingredients our profession needs to thrive."
• Academy Applauds Bill that Addresses Link between Diet and Chronic Illness for Older Americans: This member update focused on the introduction of the Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Demonstration Pilot Act and included an action alert to show support of passing this bill.
• Academy Consensus Statement Spotlights Need to Invest in Nutrition Care to Improve Health of Older Adults: The consensus statement, "Provision and Access to Nutrition Care for the Prevention and Treatment of Malnutrition in Older Adults Within Long-Term Care and Community Settings," underscores the need for equitable access to nutrition care, including MNT delivered or supported by RDNs, to improve the health of older adults living in long-term care and community settings. The statement identifies barriers including limited payment for nutrition services.

Here are some ways the Academy is demonstrating the effectiveness of MNT provided by RDNs:

• CONNECT Study | Now underway, this national research initiative aims to test a new model of nutrition care that bridges hospitals and community meal providers to support older adults diagnosed with malnutrition and food insecurity. It enables referral and continuation of care facilitated by RDNs.
• Position Paper: The Effectiveness of Medical Nutrition Therapy in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease | This paper reaffirms that medical nutrition therapy (MNT) provided by registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) is a proven, evidence-based approach to improving health outcomes, reducing health disparities and lowering health care costs for people living with or at risk for chronic diseases.
• JAND Article: Incretin-Based Therapies and Lifestyle Interventions: The Evolving Role of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in Obesity | RDNs play a crucial role in providing MNT to people using these medications as part of comprehensive obesity care.

The Academy is showcasing the RDN’s vital role in the health care team in several ways:

• Press Release: Leading Health Organizations Call for Nutrition Education to Become a Core Part of Medical Training | The Academy and 14 national health organizations called for expanded nutrition education for physicians, which promotes interprofessional collaboration and referrals to nutrition professionals.
• Referrals to an RDN: Primary Care Provider Toolkit | This toolkit provides information, examples and tools for primary care providers to successfully partner with RDNs to provide care to patients with obesity and diabetes – it also can be adapted for other chronic conditions.