Local, state, and federal policies touch every aspect of our work as RDNs/NDTRs. No matter what area of practice you work in, you are affected by public policy. Here are a few examples:
- Can your patients/clients afford the healthy food you recommend that they eat?
- Is your school or hospital kitchen a safe place to eat?
- Are your MNT services reimbursable?
Our advocacy efforts are aligned with the national goals of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. To help focus and guide our policy efforts, the following priority areas and issues have been identified:
- Disease prevention and treatment
- Lifecycle nutrition
- Healthy food systems and access
- Equitable quality healthcare
Public Policy Panel
Angelica Anderson
Public Policy Coordinator
Serves as federal legislative connection with the Academy’s Policy Initiatives and Advocacy (PIA) team, meets with members of Congress and reports back to PIA, affiliate board and PPP.
Rebecca Leighton
State Policy Representative
State Policy Representative and Licensure Resource. Monitors and manages legislative initiatives impacting nutrition that happen at the state level and serves as a resource for Licensure.
Laura Strait
Nutrition Services Payment Specialist
Facilitates use of the Academy’s coding and coverage resources and coordinates local advocacy efforts to expand federal and state nutrition coverage policies.