Public Policy, Advocacy, and You

WSDA members are experts in food, nutrition, and health working on a broad range of issues to advance the nutritional status of people in our state. There are many ways, key to our practice, by which WSDA’s over 1600 dietetics professionals are affected by public policy. [1] There are many opportunities to participate in the legislative process, both here in Washington State and in Washington, DC. Registered dietitians have played key advocacy roles and have benefited from recent legislation in Washington State concerning trans fats, restaurant menu labeling, medical nutrition therapy, and school nutrition.

WSDA’s Public Policy Panel was changed in 2008 to reflect the changes made in grassroots advocacy by the American Dietetic Association.  We are looking for a few more people to join the panel. If you are interested please contact Robin Payment.

What’s Going On?
The Public Policy Panel keeps track of and plans activities around current state legislation and federal legislation.

WSDA Public Policy Maker of the Year Award
The WSDA Public Policy Maker of the Year Award may be given annually to an exemplary individual who sponsors legislation and/or supports nutrition programs, including the following: 
- Ensure adequate access to food throughout the life span in all settings.
- Promote a safe food supply.
- Support licensure and monitoring of credentials of those making claims.
- Promote education programs to increase a awareness of the relationship between nutrition and health.

To learn more about this award click here.  Nominations were due January 31, 2010.

ADA Public Policy Awards 
ADA offers three public policy awards: ADA Award for Grassroots Excellence, Public Policy Advocacy Award in Dietetics Education, and Public Policy Leadership Award 2010. To learn more about these awards contact Dana Whitley.

Professional Practice Issues
WSDA wants to protect RD provider status in Washington State. To read ADA’s position on licensure click here(you must be signed in to www.eatright.org for the link to work). Licensure may be a future consideration for Washington State RDs.

Clinical Privileging & RDs(PDF) posted 01.05.09

Government Regulations & Dietetics (PDF) posted 01.05.09

Hospital Therapeutic Diet Orders & CMS (PDF) > posted 01.05.09

Looking to Get Involved?
If you would like to be involved in WSDA’s policy activities consider joining the Policy Team contact the Public Policy Team or participation in specific events.  

Another way to be involved is to let us know how your practice area affects public policy and vice versa. When we meet with policymakers we share stories from RDs working on the issues being discussed. For example, if you work in public schools as we start to work on the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act we will want to hear from you! If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Robin Payment.