Legislative News
Calling All Dietetic Advocates to Take Action!
With the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 4th, funding for the Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program, also known as SNAP-Ed has been eliminated. Fortunately, this impactful program continues due to an existing statute. As Congress turns its attention to appropriations, we are urging lawmakers to align funding decisions with the longstanding bipartisan support for nutrition education. SNAP-Ed is nutrition education that connects people who qualify for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to nourishing food and safe physical activity. In Spokane, this supports the WSU Extension Spokane County and services at the Spokane Regional Health District. A loss of funding for these longstanding and powerful programs could jeopardize many of the tools low income families use to make informed, evidence based health choices.
Take Action to ensure that the 2026 Fiscal Year funding bill restores financial support for the Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program. Learn more about this issue and view and send a prepared message to your Senators and Representatives.
Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA), a bipartisan and bicameral bill, has been reintroduced to Congress (S.1973, H.R.4321). This legislation would allow Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) to provide intensive behavioral therapy for Medicare Part B participants and cover anti-obesity medication with Medicare Part D. By removing barriers to care, RDNs can provide this therapy outside of primary care settings. Please ask your Senators and Representatives to support Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and the implementation of behavior changes that lead to clinical and cost saving outcomes. Send the prepared message
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)
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!
