Western Area Massachusetts Dietetic Association
Public Policy
Public Policy Update from Washington D.C.
On March 8, 2025, House Republicans released text of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through the end of the Fiscal Year, September 30, 2025.
The senate voted to pass the CR on March 14, 2025 to prevent a government shutdown.
Included in the bill:
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Extension of certain telehealth flexibilities
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Continuance for entitlements and mandatory payments provided in the FY2024 Appropriations Acts and under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
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Provides nearly $7.6 million for the WIC Program, $516 million for the Commodity Assistance Program (inclusive of $425 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program)
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What does this mean for Registered Dietitians?
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For questions regarding this update, email Judy Dowd, Public Policy Chair at: wamdapublicpolicy@gmail.com
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Stay Informed
MAND Licensure Page
This fact sheet, published in late August, is a guide to the benefits of MA licensure for RDNs and it explains the process of obtaining an adequate # of CEUs to maintain licensure.
Medicare and Anti-Obesity Medication Coverage
CMS proposed a 2026 rule on coverage of anti-obesity drugs due to obesity being classified a
chronic disease.
FDA's New Rule on the Word "Healthy" on Food Labels
The FDA announced on December 19, 2024, a final rule to update the “healthy” claim that manufacturers can voluntarily use on food packages.
