Get updates on advocacy and public policy issues impacting nutrition and dietetics professionals.
Stay connected! The Academy's Public Policy News monthly e-newsletter features timely updates on federal and state legislation, regulations and policy initiatives that affect the nutrition and dietetics profession. Each issue highlights key advocacy opportunities, action alerts and ways for members to stay informed and involved.
Yesterday, the Make American Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission released its assessment report, “Making Our Children Healthy Again.” This assessment, commissioned by the White House in February, provides an overview of factors that may contribute to current conditions impacting children’s health, including dietary, behavioral, medical and environmental influences.
Learn moreThe Academy is dedicated to supporting federal nutrition programs that promote public health and well-being and has engaged in numerous advocacy efforts, including sending multiple letters to policymakers and asking members to take action.
Learn moreMNT delivered by RDNs is a proven, cost-effective approach to preventing and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity, helping people improve their health through personalized nutrition care.
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The historic Dietitian Licensure Compact legislation has passed in Kansas, making it the ninth state to do so. The Academy commends the Kansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for their advocacy efforts in championing this bill to reduce licensure burden and expand access to nutrition care services across the country.
Learn moreHHS Secretary Kennedy recently announced that states will be granted waivers allowing them to restrict SNAP purchases, including bans on sugar-sweetened beverages.
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Utah has officially become the eighth state to enact the Dietitian Licensure Compact, further advancing the nationwide effort to modernize licensure and expand access to nutrition care.
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Governor Tate Reeves signed the Dietitian Licensure Compact into law, making Mississippi the seventh state to enact this legislation and triggering the formation of the Compact Commission.
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Governor Kelly Armstrong signed the Dietitian Licensure Compact into law on March 19, 2025, making North Dakota the sixth state to enact this legislation.
Learn moreCongress recently passed a new Continuing Resolution to keep the government funded through September 30, 2025, and includes several key provisions relevant to Academy members.
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Governor Larry Rhoden signed the Dietitian Licensure Compact into law on March 6, 2025, making South Dakota the fifth state to enact the compact, a major step forward in expanding access to nutrition care.
Learn moreThe Academy has submitted its statement for the record for the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing "Modernizing American Health care: Creating Healthy Options and Better Incentives."
Learn moreThe Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics submitted recommendations for consideration in response to the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Review the highlights and access the full comments.
Learn moreIn response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ request for comments, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics highlighted the valuable role of registered dietitian nutritionists in evidence-based care, providing services including medical nutrition therapy under Medicare Part B in communities across the country.
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The federal government faces a potential shutdown if funding isn't secured by the midnight deadline. Academy staff are monitoring this situation and Academy consultants in Washington, D.C., are actively engaging with members of Congress to emphasize the critical ramifications a shutdown will have on Academy members and health care systems along with federal nutrition programs.
Learn moreIn light of the GOP’s control across the executive and legislative branches, see how the lame duck session and key issues may impact policies of particular importance to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Learn moreThe Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is proud to support the bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, a critical bill to prevent proposed Medicare physician fee cuts set to take effect January 1, 2025.
Learn moreAfter more than a decade of advocacy, the Congressional Budget Office released a report on the anticipated cost impact of Medicare coverage of obesity medications. While the report does not score the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, it contains important information that will help shape future policy.
Learn moreThe Academy’s advocacy has resulted in significant wins for the profession and quality care in the payment system that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) uses to reimburse hospitals for inpatient services. The final rule included three specific positive outcomes for nutrition and dietetics professionals related to payment models, expanded quality measures for malnutrition and star ratings.
Learn moreThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services acknowledged the substantial feedback from the Academy, registered dietitian nutritionists and stakeholders regarding the proposed removal of malnutrition and "at risk for malnutrition" from the Non-Therapy Ancillary (NTA) comorbidities list in a recent Request for Information located within the CY25 Skilled Nursing Facility Proposed Rule.
Learn moreA U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs policy change will allow registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to provide additional diabetes care including medical device training and support for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) as part of an expanded scope of practice.
Learn moreThe critical role of nutrition in enhancing health care outcomes was the focal point of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' recent letter to Congress, urging a stronger emphasis on nutrition care within the 21st Century Cures Act.
Learn moreRegistered dietitian nutritionists are included as collaborators in the newly proposed Increasing Access to Organ Transplants (IOTA) Model, but the Academy is advocating for more integration of nutrition care. The Academy’s recommendations focus on developing metrics that ensure access to medical nutrition therapy and support patient adherence to dietary and supplement guidance provided by RDNs.
Learn moreAccess to obesity treatment for Medicare beneficiaries took a promising step forward with passage of a scaled-back version of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA).
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A medically tailored meals pilot project gained support on Thursday, June 27, from the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health in the form of an amendment to the American Medical Innovation and Investment Act (H.R. 8816) during committee mark-up.
Learn moreThe Skilled Nursing proposed rule, issued by CMS, outlines regulatory changes and updates for skilled nursing facilities, covering reimbursement rates, quality measures and policies related to Medicare payments and services in the skilled nursing and long-term care settings. In response to a Request for Information included in the proposed rule, the Academy advocated for continued inclusion of malnutrition and at-risk malnutrition in the NTA Classification List.
Learn moreThe Dietitian Licensure Compact facilitates telehealth, providing licensees with opportunities for multistate practice.
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The increases in food insecurity in the U.S. following the pandemic and link between food and agriculture make the Farm Bill a critical and timely legislative issue.
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With the updates announced today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, child nutrition programs will align more closely with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and increase flexibility and food options that honor cultural preferences and traditions.
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The Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics successfully advocated to maintain dietetic licensure in the state. The national Academy supports professional licensure for dietitians to protect the public by enforcing objective standards in qualifications and regulation of practice and was pleased to partner with the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to achieve this win for RDNs and all Iowans.
Learn moreThe Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) will now align more closely with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and allow food options to meet participants’ dietary needs and choices according to culture, religion, preference, allergies, and/or living situations. The Academy voiced support in the rule-making process for the increased access to healthful foods for women, babies, children and their families made possible in the final rule.
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Ten years after the repeal of Michigan’s dietetics and nutrition licensing law, the Michigan Legislature passed legislation to protect the safety of Michiganders by licensing dietitian nutritionists and the practice of medical nutrition therapy. This historic move underscores the commitment of Michigan lawmakers to prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens by ensuring that those seeking medical nutrition therapy services receive accurate, evidence-based care from qualified professionals.
Learn moreAcademy policy leaders from across the country gathered Thursday, April 4, in Washington, D.C., to meet with congressional offices to discuss two of the Academy’s top policy priorities: expansion of medical nutrition therapy and nutrition security. Learn more about their efforts and how you can get involved.
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Nebraska’s legislature has passed Dietitian Licensure Compact legislation, paving the way for increased practice opportunities for licensed dietitians in the state as well as across state lines. Nebraska is the first state in the country to pass this groundbreaking legislation.
Learn moreIn a comment letter submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Academy acknowledged the many challenges facility-based providers face in submitting claims for MNT when the service is delivered by registered dietitians from an outpatient facility-based location.
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The Academy continues to advocate for Older Americans Act programs, which is the primary vehicle for delivering social and nutrition programs to older adults. On March 19, 2024, the Academy submitted the following for consideration to the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
Learn moreThe Academy advocated for improved network adequacy standards, fair Medicare Advantage rates and the incorporation of RDNs and MNT into quality measures in comments to the CMS regarding the CY 25 Advance Notice for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Programs.
Learn moreOne of the Academy’s top advocacy priorities is advocating for federal programs, including WIC, that increase access to nutritious, safe, culturally relevant and affordable foods that improve health and well-being. The Academy supports full funding for WIC to allow all eligible women and children to participate in the program and receive important health and nutrition benefits.
Learn moreIn response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s request for input on “Food Distribution Programs: Improving Access and Parity,” the Academy emphasized the importance of USDA and state agencies sharing information, especially on how to access benefits, in multiple formats, such as posting information at community centers, senior centers, schools and community health centers.
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The establishment of a proposed Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Level II code is a vital step in empowering Medicare beneficiaries to actively engage in their treatment recommendations, addressing their individual health needs, and advancing the Academy’s commitment to health equity and disease treatment and prevention.
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CMS aims to provide states with multiple pathways to address health-related social needs. This new guidance aligns with the Academy’s efforts to ensure equitable access to essential services for adequate food, nutrition and quality care.
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Congress averted a government shutdown and President Biden is expected to sign a bipartisan continuing resolution that allows federal agencies to operate through early 2024. While this is a step in the right direction, more work remains to ensure nutrition programs and services are fully funded in the budget.
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The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics urges Congress to take immediate action to pass bipartisan legislation that includes adequate funding for federal programs and services that aim to improve nutrition security, ensure a safe food supply and improve health.
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The Academy continues to advocate for equitable coverage for medical nutrition therapy in the treatment of eating disorders, including support for stronger enforcement of compliance with the MHPAEA. Learn more.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the Community Eligibility Provision has been expanded and allows use of existing data from other programs to increase access to healthy foods in more school districts.
Learn moreIn this year’s proposed rule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services listed several items that will impact registered dietitian nutritionists. Learn more about what the Academy supports and the comments submitted to CMS.
Learn moreThe Academy has partnered with The Milken Institute of Public Health at The George Washington University to conduct the “Medicaid Nutrition Coverage Policy Mapping Study." Learn how it will help to advocate for increased access by assessing the current environment for opportunities and gaps.
Learn moreIn regulatory comments submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Academy advocates for expanded access and competitive payment for RDN-provided services in state Medicaid programs.
Learn moreNebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed into law the Nebraska Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ scope of practice bill, ensuring only highly qualified nutrition practitioners can provide medical nutrition therapy in Nebraska.
Learn moreIn regulatory comments submitted to the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, the Academy provided input on the request for information and comments on a proposed rule.
Learn moreIn regulatory comments, the Academy highlighted the unique skillset and expertise of its members who work every day to serve healthful school meals to students while grappling with continuing challenges intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn moreMay 11 marks the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, which allowed for regulatory and legislative actions resulting in flexibilities that changed access to telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries and how RDNs can provide telehealth services.
Learn moreThe Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics strongly supports and advocates for healthful school meals. School meals are crucial in alleviating childhood food insecurity, and studies continue to show schools are the healthiest place in the U.S. for children to eat.
Learn moreSNAP was showcased by witness testimony during the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry hearing on April 19, 2023, in preparation for the next Farm Bill.
Learn moreThe Academy provided feedback and recommendations to the Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Calendar Year 2024 for Medicare Advantage Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies.
Learn moreThe Academy continues to support the use of the Nutrition/Dietitian Specialty Measure Set as it is a valuable resource for RDNs to know what quality measures are available for selection for reporting under the Quality performance category.
Learn moreThe Academy highlighted the need for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to fulfill opportunities brought about by the Affordable Care Act to expand equitable access to quality care to all Americans.
Learn moreOn January 30, 2023, President Biden announced plans to end the Public Health Emergency, effective May 11, 2023.
Learn moreThis update focuses on telehealth and Medicare payment provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (the omnibus).
Learn moreThe Academy commends the provisions included in the fiscal year 2023 omnibus, released this week by the 117th U.S. Congress, that support health care and key nutrition security efforts. The Senate’s bill included two Academy priorities: the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Amendment, will positively impact the lives of pregnant and lactating workers.
Learn moreThe USDA's new Agricultural Science Center of Excellence for Nutrition and Diet for Better Health aims to accelerate research on diet-related chronic diseases, including cancer.
Learn moreAcademy Provides Input, Support for National Institutes of Health’s first draft of the report “Nutrition as Prevention for Improved Cancer Health Outcomes."
Learn moreThe Academy continues assessing and developing recommendations for a potential new interstate professional licensure compact for registered dietitian nutritionists.
Learn moreThe Academy was selected through a competitive grant process for Department of Defense funding to work with the Council of State Governments' National Center for Interstate Compacts on an interstate licensure compact for the dietetics profession.
Learn moreRecommendations incorporated in the policy include free, healthful school meals, a strengthened national commitment to nutrition research, and diversifying the nutrition workforce.
Learn moreThe Academy believes a transformative Farm Bill should build on the momentum and robust investments included in the Inflation Reduction Act, and other actions taken by the Biden administration.
Learn moreThe Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is saddened to hear of the tragic loss of U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (Ind.) and two members of her staff, Emma Thomson and Zachery Potts.
Learn moreThe Academy co-hosted a virtual advocacy day with the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists on two priority issues: the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act and the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act.
Learn moreThe Academy urged the White House to "acknowledge the fundamental importance of nutrition by committing to actively pursue, implement and fund policies and programs addressing all social determinants of health."
Learn moreAn appeal filed in response to the February 18, 2022, ruling upholding Florida's professional licensure law was denied.
Learn moreSince the beginning of the COVID-19 public health emergency, many temporary flexibilities to Medicare's telehealth coverage polices would require an act of Congress to make permanent. The first such actions on that front have been taken under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, which was signed into law by President Biden on March 15, 2022.
Learn moreThe FY22 omnibus appropriations bill signed into law by President Biden includes substantial funds for critical nutrition and health programs.
Learn moreUpdate on the Academy's ongoing initiatives related to the decision by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on whether an unlicensed individual’s desire to provide medical counseling implicates free speech rights that override the state of Florida’s ability to require health care professionals to be licensed before practicing.
Learn moreTo equip the Academy and RDNs to support strong telehealth policies at the state and federal levels, the Academy Board has voted for the adoption of a five-part stance on telehealth policy.
Learn moreThis is an update for nutrition and dietetics practitioners on the Academy's work on licensure, particularly in Florida, since the most recent communication on July 28, 2020.
Learn moreOn June 30, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill updating the state's Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Act, aligning it more closely with the Academy's Model Practice Act.
Learn moreFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a long-awaited bill updating Florida's dietetics licensure law to align it more closely to the Academy's Model Practice Act.
Learn moreThe Academy is gratified that the Florida Senate and House have passed amended legislation that maintains professional competencies of health care practitioners with expertise in nutrition care services.
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Passage of the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act would be a win-win for the profession and the communities Academy members serve. Add your support with three simple steps.
Learn moreThe Academy supports the efforts to promote balance and to prioritize dignity with individual choice within the WIC food package.
Learn moreMembers of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics receive exciting benefits including complimentary continuing professional education opportunities, discounts on events and products in eatrightSTORE.org, invitations to exclusive members-only events and more!
