A medically tailored meals pilot project gained support on Thursday, June 27, from the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health in the form of an amendment to the American Medical Innovation and Investment Act (H.R. 8816) during committee mark-up. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (New York) spoke in favor of amended bill language, which included provisions from the Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Demonstration Pilot Act (H.R. 6780).
The Academy collaborated with Rep. Jim McGovern (Mass.), one of H.R. 6780’s sponsors, to draft language supporting access to medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and commends the committee for recognizing the vital role of evidenced-based nutrition care in addressing chronic disease and health disparities such as nutrition security.
“While the amended bill will need to be considered by the full House, the inclusion of language related to medical nutrition therapy and the role of dietitians has been championed by the Academy as a necessary component of Food as Medicine initiatives and medically tailored meals,” stated Academy President Livleen Gill, MBA, RDN, LDN, FAND. “Our nation's seniors are at increased risk of developing new or worsening existing chronic diseases due to vulnerabilities with nutrition security. RDNs are uniquely qualified to identify and address these nutrition-related issues, including those related to access and equity as part of person-centered interventions. By delivering comprehensive nutrition care and services, RDNs play a crucial role in reducing and managing the chronic diseases faced by our seniors, making these advancements beneficial for them and their families.”
The amended H.R. 8816 would need to be passed in the House, then by the Senate, before it could be signed into law. The Academy will continue to advocate for evidence-based nutrition care and the Senate version of the Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Demonstration Act (S. 2133). Academy members can learn more about policy efforts to expand access to MNT during the monthly affinity group meeting, a forum for discussing advocacy opportunities and initiatives.
Join the Academy
Members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics receive exciting benefits including complimentary continuing professional education opportunities, discounts on events and products in eatrightSTORE.org, invitations to exclusive members-only events and more!