The 2009 Practice Act: Strengthening the Profession of Dietetics Sara Peidle, RD LD El Paso Dietetic Association Legislative/Public Policy Chair

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 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 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-failed 2007: Introduction of a new House Bill with exemptions 2008: Public Policy Workshop 2009: H.B Practice Act-September 1 st, 2009

What does this bill cover? “Nutrition Care Services” “Nutrition Counseling Services” Medical Nutrition Therapy

What exemptions will be made? Physicians Retailers Approved weight control services, Government employees (WIC Nutritionists) Students of nutrition Religious 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 written The 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 TMA PAC-Political Action Committee Lobbyist Hired TDA and ADA Collaboration Bill has been introduced

Recent Events of HB 3528 Currently left pending in the House Public Health Committee 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 checks Provided free snacks and water 120 RD participants Flooded the Capital Halls to greet Legislators and hand out packets

Why HB 3528 died in committee Things got started late No support from TMA Chairwoman Kolkhorst did not like the bill Vice Chairman Naishtat was against the bill

Delaware’s Story June 2009-Delaware’s Practice Act Now, 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 legislators Build alliances with the community Increase member involvement Educate, 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?