History Informs the Future

1. History Informs the Future Dietetics Licensure: What’s In It for VAND? Vermont Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2012 Annual Conference, April 27, 2012 Sue Johansen, RD, CD, CDE

2. Certified Dietitian: The Vermont Credential for RD’s • History: • How did we get this? • Why did we want it? • Was/Is RD enough? • Registration • Certification • Licensure

3. History of Efforts for Certified Dietitian • Several years, many RD’s worked together late 1980’s-1990’s • Bills introduced for licensure; stayed in committee • Key legislator: Senator Althea Kroger—advised/recommended bill with no scope of practice • Lawyer drafted bill • Lobbyist contracted with VDA to help

4. History of Efforts for Certified Dietitian • Senator Kroger, Jeanne Kennedy helped us organize: trained RD’s to contact local legislators and to testify at committee meetings and public hearings • Phone trees, regional efforts: • “Lead RD” in areas around state communicated with other RD’s in area • VDA member as point person for legislative coordination, State House meetings

5. History of Efforts for Certified Dietitian • RD’s contacting their legislators • Public hearings • Committee Testimony: Government Operations Committee • Support of Insurance Company Executive • Legislation passed; signed by Governor • Certification credential for RD’s: 1994

6. History of Efforts for Certified Dietitian • Many RD’s involved throughout state. • Key “players”: Jane Ross, Rachel Johnson, Janice Waterman, Betsy Hiser, Robin Edelman • Next effort: to make MNT a covered service provided by Certified Dietitian

7. “Medical Nutrition Therapy Improves Health and Saves Money for Vermonters” • Publication: 1995; 4 RD authors, 30 RD contributors/reviewers • MNT—Cost Effective/Case Studies • 20 Case studies by VDA RD’s: Benefits of MNT in Home, Hospital, Long Term Care, Children with Special Health Care Needs, Treatments of Diabetes, Heart Disease • Letters from Vermonters • Appendix, References

8. Vermont Certified Dietitian • Our current credential granted by legislature as law; our legal state recognition • 2 RD members on our Board of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State’s office • Insurance payment for MNT to CD’s with provider numbers from Medicare, insurance companies • Many RD jobs which do not require CD for employment

9. Vermont Certified Dietitian • 132 CD’s currently • Important questions: Why should RD have CD credential? Why is RD not enough? • Future of our profession: Health care reform—emphasis on prevention; impacts all RD’s whatever our employment CD = current state credential; professional recognition granted by VT legislature INSURANCE—personal and professional

10. Vermont Certified Dietitian • Credential earned by hard work and dedication of VT RD’s in 1990’s. • Professional designation, identification not available to others in “nutrition work”. Personal: Allows public to identify your qualifications wherever you practice as RD • OUR CD: Use and value what we have. • Important to value CD to pursue licensure in future • We are in this profession/VAND together!