The 2009 Practice Act: Strengthening the Profession of Dietetics

Sara Peidle, RD LD

El Paso Dietetic Association Legislative/Public Policy Chair

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives Define and Explain the Texas House Bill

that encompasses the Practice Act Explain why the act is important to dietetic

professionals Explain basic legislative procedures for

getting a bill enacted Explanation of who the state senators and

state and district representatives are

Expected Outcomes

Participants will understand what the practice act and why it is important

Participants will have a better understanding of legislative procedures and the future of the Practice Act

Participants will know who the local and state senators and representatives are and how to contact them

Participants will understand what is needed of them to help to get this bill enacted

ADA Public Policy Priority Areas 2009-2010

Aging Child Nutrition Food and Food Safety Health Literacy and Nutrition Advancement Medical Nutrition Therapy and

Medicare/Medicaid Nutrition Monitoring and Research Obesity/Overweight/Healthy Weight

Management

TDA Public Policy Priority Areas 2009-2010

Support Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Child Nutrition

Obesity and Related Chronic Conditions Older Texans Health Care Cost Containment Medical

Nutrition Therapy Consumer Protection Recognition of the

Registered and Licensed Dietitian as the Nutrition Expert

The History of the Practice Act

1983: the original “Licensed Dietitian’s Act”

1999: Revision of the Practice Act-failed2007: Introduction of a new House Bill

with exemptions2008: Public Policy Workshop2009: H.B. 3528-Practice Act-September

1st, 2009

What does this bill cover?

“Nutrition Care Services”

“Nutrition Counseling Services”

Medical Nutrition Therapy

What exemptions will be made?

Physicians RetailersApproved weight control services,

Government employees (WIC Nutritionists)

Students of nutritionReligious affiliated groups

Who is a Licensed Nutrition Professional?

Use of the title “Dietitian” or Licensed Provisional Dietitian” and “Registered Dietitian”

Must submit application and fee to state boards

May or may not need to take CDR examination for non-registered dietitians

Minimum Baccalaureate degree in nutrition, 900 hours of supervised practice in U.S.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Three equal branches of government

Representative or Senator submits a bill idea

The bill is writtenThe first reading of the bill

The Committee Process

If the committee approves the bill-they may have made amendments

After the bill is reported, the committee staff prepares a written report explaining why they favor the bill and why they wish to see their amendments, if any, adopted.

The bill is placed on the House floor for consideration and eventually put to a vote

The bill is sent to the senate for a similar procedure

Sent to the President for a signature

Recent Events of HB 3528

Successful meetings with TMAPAC-Political Action CommitteeLobbyist HiredTDA and ADA CollaborationBill has been introduced

Recent Events of HB 3528

Currently left pending in the House Public Health Committee-2011

100 RD letters, 75 MD letters, 60 “other healthcare workers” letters collected by the public policy panel

TDA public policy panel met personally with lawmakers in April 28th

Change of the Speaker of the House

Nutrition Day at the Capital

Gave out “Top ten healthy snacks” pins to legislators and staff

Conducted free BMI checksProvided free snacks and water120 RD participantsFlooded the Capital Halls to greet

Legislators and hand out packets

Why HB 3528 died in committee

Things got started lateNo support from TMAChairwoman Kolkhorst did not like the

billVice Chairman Naishtat was against the

bill

Delaware’s Story

June 2009-Delaware’s Practice ActNow, a license is required to practice as

a “nutritionist” in Delaware Delaware is one of 16 states to require

licensure of registered dietitians and nutritionists

There is no longer a blurry fine line between the terms "registered dietitian" and "nutritionist."

What do we do next?

Win TMA’s support by finding mutually agreeable language

Nurture relationships with legislatorsBuild alliances with the communityIncrease member involvementEducate, educate, educate!More grassroots support!!!

Activities for Off-Season

Local district nutrition fairs Backyard Barbeques or Open Houses Visit legislators locally and offer resources Establish rapport with local community

organizations Drop off post card on the Practice Act to

physicians offices during scheduled appointments

What can you do?

If you are not registered to vote, do so Ask physicians you work with for support Report stories of adverse events to the Public

Policy Panel Encourage fellow RD’s to become ADA

members and licensed professionals Contribute to TDA-PAC Volunteer to serve on state and local health

related boards, coalitions and committees

What else can you do?

Sending letters to Texas State Representatives and Senators

Send letters/personally ask for MD letters to Texas State Representatives and Senators

Samples and Legislator information provided in handouts

Questions?