27 June 2013

AND Attempts to Cash in on Obesity


The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) is again trying to expand their monopoly, but this time at the federal level. In a House of Representatives bill (HR 2415), the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2013 which the AND is primarily responsible for creating this legislation would severely restrict the professionals that would be able to counsel obese patients.

Is it any wonder that the one group, AND, which is largely responsible for promoting the obesity with their high carbohydrate, whole grains teaching, would be trying to cash in on counseling the obese to keep them this way. Then when you look at their corporate sponsors, see my blog here, this is just another reason the AND must be removed from any position of responsibility in counseling people with obesity.

Registered dietitians (RDs) are allowed to perform services under Medicare part B, so why do they need special provisions that exclude and create special provisions that do not exist in federal law (the Social Security Act, which controls Medicare, provides equal treatment for RDs and other qualified nutrition professionals). Just more of the monopoly attempt by AND and a smaller choice for us as patients.

This is one reason I have sent my objections to my Representative and I hope you will consider this as well.

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