Academy Submits Comments on USDA Reorganization
The Academy recently submitted comments to the USDA on a proposed reorganization that could have major implications for federal nutrition programs and resources.
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Academy Policy and Advocacy August 2025 Update
The Academy’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations Kelly Horton, MS, RDN, shares the latest updates on the Academy’s efforts in federal and state advocacy.
Learn moreAcademy Supports the Summer Meals REACH Act
If passed, the REACH Act would permanently authorize flexibilities introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic for the Summer Food Service Program, which provides summer meals and snacks at no cost to eligible children at community locations nationwide.
Learn moreAcademy CEO Advocates for MNT in RealClearHealth
In an opinion editorial titled “Nutrition Therapy Should Anchor the Fight Against Obesity” published by RealClearHealth, Academy CEO Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CAE, highlights the vital role medical nutrition therapy (MNT) plays in obesity care.
Learn moreBipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act Introduced in 119th Congress
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics applauds the recently reintroduced, bipartisan and bicameral Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) in the 119th U.S. Congress. The Academy has been a longtime champion of TROA, which was first introduced in the U.S. Congress in 2013 and consistently generates bipartisan support.
Learn moreHHS Secretary Kennedy, CMS Administrator Oz Announce Insurers' Pledge to Fix Prior Authorization System
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz announced that several major health insurers have voluntarily pledged to streamline and improve PA processes across Medicare Advantage, Medicaid Managed Care, Marketplace and commercial plans.
Learn moreAcademy Endorses the SBM Position Paper Urging Congress to Restore USDA Funding for School Meals Local Foods Procurement
The Academy is proud to endorse the SBM's recently released position paper outlining key policy solutions necessary to prevent hunger and reduce nutrition and food insecurity among American children.
Learn moreAcademy Statement on Medicare Payment Proposal
The Academy supports bipartisan efforts to reform Medicare payment policy and urges Congress to create a more stable and sustainable reimbursement system that protect access to care and ensure the financial viability of providers, including RDNs.
Learn moreAcademy Urges Congress to Support Legislation Increasing Nutrition Security
The Academy has endorsed both the Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act and the No Hungry Kids in Schools Act.
Learn moreAcademy Leads Letter to Congressional Appropriators Urging Protection of Food and Nutrition Programs
The Academy sent a letter to Congressional Appropriators, signed by 20 trusted health organizations, calling for immediate protection of nutrition programs.
Learn moreAcademy Urges Congress to Support Funding for Mothers and Babies Health
The Academy joined a coalition of organizations in sending appropriations request letters to the Chairs and Ranking members of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies.
Learn moreAcademy Joins Coalition Urging Congressional Action Addressing Eating Disorders
The Academy joined a 215 organizations that support patients and families impacted by eating disorders, urging Congress to address the increasingly critical public health issue in the United States.
Learn moreAcademy Update: MAHA Commission Report
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 moreAcademy Urges Congress to Protect and Fund Federal Nutrition Programs
The 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 moreMapping Medicaid Coverage for Medical Nutrition Therapy: Why Access Matters
MNT 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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Kansas Becomes Ninth State to Pass Dietitian Licensure Compact Legislation
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 Would Support State Waivers to Ban Soda from SNAP
HHS 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's Compact Enactment Brings Dietitians Closer to Less Burdensome Multistate Practice
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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Mississippi Becomes the Seventh State to Enact the Dietitian Licensure Compact, Triggering Commission Formation
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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North Dakota Becomes the Sixth State to Pass Dietitian Licensure Compact Legislation
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 moreNew Continuing Resolution and Its Impact on Nutrition Policy
Congress 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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South Dakota Becomes the Fifth State to Pass Dietitian Licensure Compact Legislation
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 moreAcademy Statement Submitted to Congressional Record
The 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 moreAcademy Comments Submitted for Scientific Report of the 2025 DGAC
The 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 moreAcademy Advocates for Coverage of Obesity Medications and RDN Services
In 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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In the Event of a Government Shutdown: What You Should Know
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 moreAcademy Advocacy Update: Lame Duck Session and Planning for 119th U.S. Congress
In 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 moreAcademy Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Medicare Access and Stabilize Provider Reimbursement
The 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 moreObesity Medications Report Provides Important Information for Coverage Policy
After 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 moreCMS Payment System Rule Acknowledges RDNs' Role in Hospital Care
The 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 moreCMS Acknowledges Academy's Malnutrition Concerns in Skilled Nursing Facility Rule
The 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 moreVA Policy Change Increases Impact of RDNs on Interprofessional Diabetes Care Teams
A 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 morePrioritizing Nutrition in the 21st Century Cures Act
The 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 moreAcademy Champions Access to RDNs and Nutrition Metrics in Organ Transplants Model
Registered 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 moreModified Obesity Bill Passes Out of Committee
Access 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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Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Demonstration Pilot Advances in House
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 moreAcademy Advocates for Continued Recognition of Malnutrition in Proposed Skilled Nursing Rule
The 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 moreAlabama Becomes Second State to Pass Dietitian Licensure Compact
The Dietitian Licensure Compact facilitates telehealth, providing licensees with opportunities for multistate practice.
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Update on the Next Farm Bill
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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Academy Commends Updates to Align School Meals with Dietary Guidelines, Honor Cultural Preferences
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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Licensure Retained in Iowa Thanks to Affiliate’s Advocacy Efforts
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 moreWIC Updates Improve Nutrition Security for Program Participants
The 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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Michigan Legislature Passes State Licensure Law
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 Members Advocate for the Profession on Capitol Hill
Academy 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 Passes Historic Dietitian Licensure Compact Bill
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 moreAcademy Advocates for Sustainable Billing Practices for MNT
In 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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Academy Priorities Highlighted in Overview to Senate HELP Committee on Older Americans Act
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 moreAcademy Champions Better Network Adequacy and MNT Inclusive Quality Metrics
The 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 moreAcademy Advocates for Full WIC Funding
One 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 moreAdvocating for Nutrition Security and Improving Parity in Food Distribution Programs
In 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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Academy Advocates for Increased Access to Technology that Supports People with Diabetes
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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Guidance from CMS Addresses Health-related Social Needs Services
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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Government Shutdown Averted Until Early 2024 Deadlines
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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Government Shutdown Avoided Through November 17
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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Advocating for the Mental Health Parity and Nutrition Care
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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Academy Advocacy Helps Achieve Expanded Access to School Breakfast and Lunch
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 moreAdvocating for Increased Access to MNT and RDN Provided Services
In 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 moreMedicaid Mapping Project Update
The 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 moreAdvocating for Expanded Access and Competitive Payment for Services Provided by RDNs
In 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 moreLicensure Bill Signed into Law in Nebraska
Nebraska 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 moreAcademy Provides Recommendations on Modernizing WIC
In 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 moreImportance of Nutrition in School Meals Highlighted in Academy Recommendations
In 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 moreCOVID-19 PHE Ends May 11
May 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 moreAcademy Provides Input to FNS on Community Eligibility Provision, Increasing Options for Schools
The 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 moreSenate Agriculture Committee Hearing Focuses on Nutrition Priorities for 2023 Farm Bill
SNAP 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 moreAcademy Strongly Opposes CMS Proposed Change to Malnutrition Diagnosis Affecting Medicare Advantage Payments
The 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 moreAcademy Provides Input to CMS' Quality Payment Program
The 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 moreValuable Role of RDNs Highlighted in Recommendations to CMS
The 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 morePublic Health Emergency to End on May 11, 2023
On January 30, 2023, President Biden announced plans to end the Public Health Emergency, effective May 11, 2023.
Learn moreConsolidated Appropriations Act of 2023: Telehealth Provisions and Medicare Payment Adjustments
This update focuses on telehealth and Medicare payment provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (the omnibus).
Learn moreAcademy Responds to FY23 Omnibus Bill
The 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 moreNew USDA Virtual Nutrition Center of Excellence
The 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 moreImproving Cancer Health Outcomes
Academy Provides Input, Support for National Institutes of Health’s first draft of the report “Nutrition as Prevention for Improved Cancer Health Outcomes."
Learn moreLicensure Compact Exploration Update
The Academy continues assessing and developing recommendations for a potential new interstate professional licensure compact for registered dietitian nutritionists.
Learn moreAcademy to Explore RDN Licensure Compact
The 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 moreNational Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health Sets Stage for Major Policy Changes
Recommendations incorporated in the policy include free, healthful school meals, a strengthened national commitment to nutrition research, and diversifying the nutrition workforce.
Learn moreTransformative Farm Bill: Academy Joins Organizations in Advocating to the White House and Congress
The 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 moreAcademy Mourns Loss of U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, a True Leader on Nutrition and Hunger Issues
The 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 moreImportance of MNT and DSMT in Virtual Advocacy Day
The 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 moreAcademy Highlights Key Policy Priorities in Recommendations for White House Conference
The 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 Update on Licensure in Florida
An appeal filed in response to the February 18, 2022, ruling upholding Florida's professional licensure law was denied.
Learn moreTelehealth Provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022
Since 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 moreFunding for Nutrition and Health Programs in FY22 Omnibus Appropriations Bill
The FY22 omnibus appropriations bill signed into law by President Biden includes substantial funds for critical nutrition and health programs.
Learn moreUpdate from the Academy on Florida Licensure Case
Update 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 moreAcademy Unveils Telehealth Stance
To 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 moreLicensure Update: September 2020
This 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 moreFlorida's New Licensure Law
On 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 Governor Signs Licensure Law
Florida 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 moreAcademy Statement on Florida Licensure Vote
The 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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ACT Now for MNT Campaign
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 moreAcademy Provides Input on Updating WIC Food Packages
The Academy supports the efforts to promote balance and to prioritize dignity with individual choice within the WIC food package.
Learn moreJoin the Academy
Members 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!