Public Policy Liaison

Elizabeth Pash, LD MS RD

Yesterday, U.S. Representatives John Carney (D-DE) and Larry Bucshon (R-IN) introduced the Drug Shortage Prevention Act to address the scarcity of certain pharmaceutical drugs-and those specific to parenteral nutrition---in the marketplace.

The House and Senate agreed to extend the Sustainable Growth Rate for Medicare reimbursements, known as the "Doc Fix," for two months. The agreement postponed a 27.4 percent reduction in physician and dietitian reimbursement until March 1.

Members responded to the Academy's call to petition the Obama Administration to urge the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to reconsider its ruling excluding registered dietitians from direct billing for intensive behavioral counseling for obesity. Thanks and congratulations to all who responded and put the Academy over the needed 25,000 signatures.

A.S.P.E.N. is working hard to support legislation that addresses the PN Drug Shortage problems. The Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act (S. 296) and companion House Bill (HR. 2245) would require drug manufacturers to notify the Food and Drug Administration of any factors that may contribute to a shortage. In turn, the FDA would keep an online list of shortages.

DNS members - let's make a difference!

Please consider signing ADA's petition to President Obama to urge CMS to include RDs in obesity treatment.  We need 25,000 signatures....last time I checked we still need 7,143 signatures!  It takes a few minutes to create an account and then log back in to vote - but hang in there we are talking about making history!

Go to: http://wh.gov/DWX   and create your account.

Also attached are the ADA statement to CMS and a letter from our president Sylvia Escott-Stump.

Spread the word - let's get the signatures needed!