Professor Sarcona (left) talks with a nutrition student.

The American Dietetic Association and Nutrition Professionals in New York State have been active in securing legislation at both the federal and state levels to secure nutrition services by Registered Dietitians (RD) for consumers. On the federal level, The Medicare Medical Nutrition Therapy Bill became law in 2000. This bill provides seniors access to nutrition therapy to assist them in managing diabetes and kidney disease. Expansion of the benefit (the Medicare MNT Amendment Act of 2001) will provide services for cardiovascular disease as well. All Long Island congressmen/women, as well as Senator Charles Schumer, have co-signed this amendment. The Senate bill number is: S1225.

At the state level, New York State dietitians have introduced legislation to provide medical nutrition therapy through insurance coverage. The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 1998, (A.6620 in Assembly and S.2924 in the Senate) would require insurance benefit packages to include nutrition services. Early this year, a new “Licensure” Bill titled, “Scope of Practice”: A.7106 and S.4282 was introduced in the Higher Education Committee at the state level. This bill frames the scope of practice of the registered dietitian to protect and provide services to consumers. The language affords the profession the full measure of protection available under state law so that other allied healthcare providers cannot claim to be “nutrition counselors.” This legislation was introduced by Senator Kenneth LaValle of Selden, and sponsored by Assemblymen David Sidikman of Plainview and Harvey Weisenberg of Long Beach. Senator John Flanagan of the 2nd Senate District in Suffolk County met with Sandy Sarcona, President of the Long Island Dietetic Association, and her colleagues to discuss this licensure bill and he indicated his support for the issues and subsequently agreed to sponsor the bill.

Alessandra Sarcona, M.S. Director, Dietetic Internship
and Lucille Brind, Legislation Chair, Long Island
Dietetic Association, and Adjunct Professor of Nutrition