Legislative News
The Impact of U.S. Political Shifts on Nutrition and Dietetics Policies – May 21 Academy Update
Join Academy President Livleen Gill on May 21 at 8 a.m. Pacific time for a webinar exploring the U.S. policy landscape and its impact on nutrition and dietetics. Kelly Horton, Academy Senior V.P. of Public Policy and Government Relations, will share updates on the Academy's policy priorities and progress. She'll be joined by Robb Walton and Raghav Aggarwal from BGR for insights into key legislative and regulatory developments under the current Congress and Administration.
- Learn More & Register HERE (https://www.eatrightstore.org/product-type/online-learning/academy-update-the-impact-of-us-political-shifts-on-nutrition-and-dietetics-policies?_zs=bM21e&_zl=HbUU4)
Calling All Dietetic Advocates to Take Action!
Leaders in Congress are considering how to offset costs through revisions to other federal programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the National School Lunch Program. Proposed cuts to school meal programs could strip over 12 million children of access to nutritious meals, while SNAP reductions would harm vulnerable populations, increase demand on food banks, raise healthcare costs and weaken overall public health. Changes to either of these programs would be putting millions of children and families at risk of food insecurity which remains a chronic issue in our country. You can learn more about this campaign here. (https://www.votervoice.net/EATRIGHT/1/Campaigns/121756/Respond)
Another vital and current campaign includes Supporting Nutrition Research and Protecting Public Health. (https://www.votervoice.net/EATRIGHT/1/Campaigns/122088/Respond?_zs=3hNJa&_zl=eaXP4).
As a member of the AND, your voice can make a significant impact in ensuring these programs continue to support those in need. You can contact representatives today and tell them to oppose any cuts to these critical programs.
- Take Action Now to help ensure we shape a future where evidence-based nutrition guides public health policies. (https://www.votervoice.net/EATRIGHT/1/home)
From the Hill: H.R.2495 – Nutrition Care Act of 2025
A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders (Nutrition CARE) Act of 2025, which would expand Medicare Part B to cover medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for individuals with eating disorders. Currently, MNT is not covered for this population, creating a gap in access to comprehensive, evidence-based treatment. The bill aims to ensure seniors and individuals with disabilities can receive the full scope of care, including support from registered dietitian nutritionists. The Senate will be reintroducing the legislation soon.
Federal Advocacy – Model Practice Act Licensing Legislation
In the 2025 legislative session, Model Practice Act-aligned legislation has been filed in nine states: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and West Virginia. This represents a significant advancement of licensure legislation, including in states such as Arizona and Colorado, where no current licensure or certification exists. Progress has varied across states ranging from no movement to advancing bills through multiple legislative chambers. Notably, in Georgia, the bill passed the House and reached the Senate floor before being stalled due to an early adjournment. Bills in several states remain active and viable in the 2025 session, including Colorado, Massachusetts, Montana, Oregon, and New York. The Academy encourages affiliate members to work with their affiliate policy leaders to continue to advance these licensing efforts.
Did You Know?
The Commission on Dietetic Registration released Revised 2024 Scope and Standards of Practice for RDNs? You can access the SOP and SOPP here and complete the ‘Using the 2024 Scope and Standards of Practice to Expand Opportunities’ free learning module worth 2 CPEUs here!
Have You Taken the MNT Act Action Alert?
The Academy thanks U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (Maine) and Gary Peters (Mich.) and U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly (Ill.) and Jen Kiggans (Va.) for introducing the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2023.
Passage of the Medical Nutrition Act would be a win-win for you and the communities you serve:
- Increase access to nutrition care for seniors with chronic diseases
- Authorize health care professionals to refer patients for MNT
- Foster health equity
If you have not yet taken the MNT Act action alert, please do so here and share the public action alert with your networks!
