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House Committee Approves Diabetes Commission Bill

Would Heighten Role of Registered Dietitians in Diabetes Care

September 13, 2016

CHICAGO – The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics commends the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Sub-Committee on Health for approving H.R. 1192, the National Clinical Care Commission Act, introduced by committee members Reps. Pete Olson (Texas) and David Loebsack (Iowa). This bipartisan bill would establish a National Clinical Care Commission to evaluate and recommend solutions for better coordination and use of federal programs to support care for people with diabetes and metabolic syndromes and disorders.

Currently, 35 agencies have programs or policies that relate to diabetes. The Commission would comprise of health care experts, including registered dietitians, to offer practical insight on how to improve clinical care for people with diabetes.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes remains the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. and accounts for more than 37 million ambulatory care visits annually.

"Prevention is key to improving health outcomes, and increasing patient access to medical nutrition therapy provided by registered dietitian nutritionists is one way we can improve health outcomes," said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy President Lucille Beseler. "The Commission will facilitate collaboration among registered dietitian nutritionists and other experts across federal agencies to ensure patients have access to effective, coordinated care for better health."

In the remaining months of this Congress, the Academy urges action on this bill in the Senate (introduced S. 586) and the full House of Representatives to pass this important piece of legislation.

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The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at eatright.org.