Academy Programs: Departments and Committees
The Academy has verious departments and committees that manage the Academy programs. Below is a brief summary of these programs. Access more information at www.eatrightpro.org.
Dietetic Practice Groups (DPGs)
Dietetic Practice Groups are professional interest groups within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. As divisions of the national organization, DPGs actively engage in a program of work that is consistent with the Academy’s mission, vision, philosophy and position. There are 26 DPG’s for the 2020-2021 membership year.
Member Interest Groups are groups of Academy members who have a common interest. Unlike dietetic practice groups or affiliates, member interest groups focus on areas other than the practice of dietetics or geographic location. As divisions of the national organization, MIGs reflect the many characteristics of the Academy’s membership and the public it serves. MIGs support and promote the Academy’s mission, vision, philosophy, and position. There are seven MIGs for the 2020-2021 membership Year.
Academy Committees
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Political Action Committee (ANDPAC)
ANDPAC is a single fund for a common cause, and it is the only political action committee that speaks for food, nutrition and health issues
BOD Executive Committee
The BOD Executive Committee comprises the president who serves as chair, as well as the president-elect, treasurer, speaker, speaker-elect, ANDF chair and chief executive officer.
Committee on Lifelong Learning
The Committee for Lifelong Learning is responsible for the review and selection of educational sessions for the annual Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE).
Committee for Public Health/Community Nutrition
The committee will promote and support issues and activities related to public health nutrition and community nutrition that impact the profession and the Academy
Consumer Protection and Licensure Subcommittee
The CPLS is a sub-committee of the LPPC that guides the strategy of the Academy's advocacy and public policy work in the area of consumer protection and licensure.
Council on Future Practice
CFP will work in collaboration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration and Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics to project the future practice needs for the profession
Council on Research
The Council on Research will exist to enhance communication and alignment of the Academy’s research efforts.
Diversity Committee
The LPPC guides the establishment of Academy's public policy work including activities related to federal and state public policy, legislative, and regulatory issues
The Member Services Advisory Committee provides member-focused feedback on new and current Academy membership benefits, services and products vital to professional success
The Nominating Committee identifies potential candidates who possess the characteristics and skill sets needed to help advance the strategic plan
Nutrition Care Process and Terminology
Nutrition Services Payment Committee
Student Advisory Committee
Please visit the Committees and Task Forces page on the Academy website to learn more about the above committees.
Academy Departments and Teams
The committee that oversees the development of (new and updating) position and practice papers is the Academy Positions Committee (APC).
Academy Position Papers
A position paper is a critical analysis of current facts, data and research literature that communicates the science on current and emerging issues important to dietetics. The featured position statement presents the Academy’s stance on an issue. A position statement assists in promoting optimal nutrition, health, and well-being. Academy members, consumers, industry, and the government use position papers to shape food choices and impact the public’s nutritional status. Position papers are available to Academy members, health professionals, and the public on the Academy’s website at no charge and are published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
A position paper consists of three components: an abstract, a position statement and a support paper. They are written by health professionals who possess thorough and current knowledge of the topic with at least one author who is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Academy Practice Papers
A practice paper is a critical analysis of the current research literature that addresses a topic that translates science into practice. It provides registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered, (NDTRs) with information to enhance critical reasoning and quality improvement in nutrition and dietetics practice. Some practice papers offer Continuing Education credits. Practice papers are available to Academy members, health professionals, and the public on the Academy’s website at no charge and are published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Practice papers published after 2013 offer CEUs.
While a position and/or practice paper presents current facts, data and research, it is important to note that these papers are not comprehensive reviews of the literature.
Affiliates’ Responsibility/Role in Academy Position and Practice Papers
- While APC establishes the Academy’s official stance on key issues, affiliates should support these positions and consult with APC before developing an affiliate position so that efforts can be coordinated.
- When APC updates or reviews a position and/or practice paper, affiliates have the opportunity to identify names of individuals who are experts in the topic area and would qualify to serve as authors, reviewers, or content advisors. Individual’s name and email address can be forwarded to ppapers@eatright.org
View the Academy position and practice papers at http://www.eatrightpro.org/positions. For more information contact the APC staff manager at Academy Headquarters 800/877-1600, ext 4892 or ppapers@eatright.org.
Evidence-Based Practice is the approach to health care wherein health practitioners use the best evidence possible, i.e., the most appropriative information available, to make decisions for individual patients. It involves complex and conscientious decision-making based not only on the available evidence but also on client characteristics, situations, and preferences. The Academy develops Evidence-based Nutrition Practice Guidelines and Toolkits that can be found on the Evidence Analysis Library (EAL). The purpose of the guidelines and resources is to help practitioners implement evidenced-based dietetics practice. Evidenced-based dietetics practice includes applying relevant evidence in the context of the practice situation and the values of clients, customers and communities to achieve positive outcomes. Learn about the evidence analysis process and how to use the EAL with the EAL tutorial orientation tutorial. Plus earn 1 free CPEU. http://www.andeal.org/tutorials
Evidence Analysis Library is a synthesis of the best, most relevant nutritional research on important dietetic practice questions housed within an accessible, online, user-friendly website. An objective and transparent methodology is used to assess food and nutrition-related science. The EAL is a series of systematic reviews developed by Academy members for Academy members based on a predefined approach and criteria. For more information visit the EAL www.andeal.org
Nutrition Research Network
The network conducts, supports, promotes and advocates for practice-based research that answers questions important to dietetics practice. Nutrition Research Network members are RDNs who share a common interest in improving patient care through practice-based research or designing research projects that draw from the knowledge and understanding of practicing clinicians. Network members work in variety of practice settings and specialties and include practitioners, researchers and students. To join, members can email NRN@eatright.org with "join" and their member number in the subject line.
Scope of Practice - Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance
The Scope/Standards of Practice for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and for the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR) are an all-inclusive set of documents that answer what the RDN and NDTR need to acquire for the purpose of providing quality nutrition and dietetics care. The resources describe the tasks and services RDNs and NDTRs perform to meet employer, government, customer/client/patient and other stakeholder requirements and opportunities and include five articles and two tools:
House of Delegates
The word governance comes from an ancient Greek week, kebernon, which means to steer. In current usage, to govern means to steer, to control and to influence from a position of authority. Governance deals with the legitimate distribution of authority through a system whether a country or an organization.
The Academy Board of Directors governs the organization and the House of Delegates (HOD) governs the profession. Learn more about the HOD by accessing the HOD Fact Sheet.
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) serves the public by establishing and enforcing standards for the educational preparation of nutrition and dietetics practitioners and by recognizing nutrition and dietetics education programs that meet these standards. ACEND operates independently of the governing bodies of the Academy. ACEND Board members make autonomous decisions about accreditation standards, the accreditation status of individual nutrition and dietetics education programs and policies and procedures to be followed for accreditation.
Download additonal information.
Academy Foundation
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation was established in 1966 and is the only charitable organization devoted exclusively to promoting dietetics and nutrition. The Academy Foundation exists as the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Academy Foundation does not receive a portion of any member dues and relies on donations to thrive.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation’s Mission
Advancing public health and nutrition utilizing the expertise of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
Affiliates Relationship to the Academy Foundation
How can your state help the Academy Foundation reach its goals? By making sure your state has a state fundraising representative! The Academy Foundation’s State Fundraising Chair is an important position and it serves as the liaison to state affiliate groups for the Academy Foundation. Their main objective is to assist the Foundation in implementing its mission. The Foundation will communicate specific fundraising goals and will provide the tools and support to help each state chair reach their goals. Affiliates who provide a donation of $250 or more are recognized as members of the Academy Foundation’s Eat Right Society.
Kids Eat Right
The Foundation is committed to promoting a healthy today and tomorrow for our children. The Kids Eat Right campaign (public site www.kidseatright.org and member site www.kidseatright.org/volunteer) was launched to support public education projects and programs that address the national health concern of obesity among our children. Kids Eat Right positions Academy members as the nutrition messenger to both consumer and professional audiences and gives Academy members the opportunity to directly impact the health of children today. The campaign encompasses many elements that provide grant opportunities for Academy members to implement proven programs in their communities by becoming campaign members. Testimonials and initial data collected from parents and children enrolled in Kids Eat Right activities support that Academy members are reaching target audiences and creating healthier lifestyles.
Guide for Effective Nutrition Interventions and Education (GENIE)
Provided for your use by the Foundation with funding support from the ConAgra Foods Foundation, GENIE was designed as a simple, practical, and evidence-based self-assessment tool to help nutrition education practitioners design high quality and effective programs. Program planners can benefit from GENIE during the designed process to build effective nutrition education programs with a higher likelihood of achieving their outcomes. Program reviewers can also use GENIE to efficiently compare various nutrition education program proposals and inform funding decisions.
Future of Food Initiative
The Foundation's Future of Food initiative began in 2012 as a collaboration with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation, Feeding America and National Dairy Council. The initial work of this collaboration engaged nutrition and hunger relief professionals to increase awareness about food insecurity while promoting access to healthy food and quality nutrition education in food banks. In the summer of 2013, the Academy Foundation Board of Directors voiced their support to expand the scope of the Future of Food initiative. Since then, the initiative, through an educational grant from Elanco, has devoted efforts to increase member awareness about agriculture and advances in agricultural technology to support sustainable food systems and a safe and nutritious food supply for the growing world population.
The Foundation’s Annual Fund
The Annual Fund generates revenue for the Academy Foundation to continue its mission to fund advancing public health and nutrition utilizing the expertise of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Unrestricted gifts to the Annual Fund are directed to the areas of greatest immediate need.
Download more about scholarships, awards and research.
Council on Future Practice
This Council works in collaboration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and Nutrition and Dietetics Educators and Preceptors (NDEP) to project the future practice needs for the profession of nutrition and dietetics. Each of these organizational units (future practice, education, credentialing and accreditation) represent the four critical segments necessary for producing new practitioners, as well as assisting experienced practitioners to move up the career ladder.
Download a copy of the Council's Policy to learn more.
The Academy has a variety of international activities focused on key areas such as education, research, credentialing, professional development, position statements and practice guidelines. In addition, the Academy participates in several networks to maintain international relationships with colleagues around the globe.
Download more about current networks, projects and international work groups.
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
The Journal continuously validates its mission to be “the premier source for the practice and science of food, nutrition, and dietetics.” Launching in 1925 as a quarterly publication received by 800 members, today's Journal is a monthly print/online, peer-reviewed publication received by members, individuals, and institutions worldwide totaling over 85,000 readers.
The 35 member Board of Editors, staff editors, and over 1,000 qualified reviewers are experts in nutrition research and the practice of dietetics and include biostatisticians, young investigator mentors, and emerging science and qualitative research experts.
Learn more about the Journal by downloading a fact sheet.
Nutrition Information Services
- Daily News
- Consumer Education Resources:
- National Nutrition Month® and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day:
- Ask the Academy
Download more information.
Conference and Event Services and FNCE®
Academy Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo™
Download more information.
Nurition and Dietetics Educators and Preceptors (NDEP)
Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors (NDEP) addresses the broad needs of the dietetics education community in developing and maintaining quality dietetics education programs and improving the relationship between the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and educators and preceptors of dietetics students.
NDEP VISION: Optimizing higher education for current and future professionals in nutrition and dietetics.
NDEP MISSION: Advocate for and empower educators to lead the profession of nutrition and dietetics.
Goals
- Academy members and students see educators and preceptors as leaders of the profession.
- Educators and preceptors view NDEP as vital to professional success.
- NDEP supports ACEND-accredited educational programs and the mentoring of program directors.
Learn more on the NDEP website www.ndepnet.org or download additional information.
Strategic Communication and Web Strategy Team
- Produce the Academy’s popular and award-winning bimonthly member magazine Food & Nutrition.
- Write and distribute news releases and public service videos that promote Academy healthful-eating messages, initiatives and accomplishments such as National Nutrition Month and Registered Dietitian Day; consumer tips; public policy priorities and activities; Academy position and practice papers; scientific research; the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo; and more.
- Direct the Academy’s effective Media Spokesperson program, a national network of 30 registered dietitian nutritionists who speak on behalf of the Academy to media, conducting more than 2,000 interviews each year. The Strategic Communications Team also lends support to a network of more than 95 registered dietitians serving as volunteer State Media Representatives.
- Develop programming and produce content for the Academy’s website eatright.org, eatrightPRO.org and eatrightstore.org. This includes managing the Academy’s various online properties, HomeFoodSafetey.org, Food & Nutrition magazine; Kids Eat Right and others.
- Produce Eat Right Radio Network of broadcasts that air nationally. In Chicago, WBBM-AM’s Eating Right Radio Minute airs three times a day, twice during drive time.
- Provide social media outreach on a global scale and play a strategic role in helping to optimize the nation's health through trusted food and nutrition information through Twitter, Google+, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
- Write, edit and distribute Academy’s popular all-member newsletter Eat Right Weekly, bringing Academy and professional news and announcements to members via email.
- Direct and produce the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo’s Opening, Member Showcase and Closing sessions, including remarks by the president and president-elect.
- Work with the Academy’s leaders to prepare a wide variety of communications to members and to outside groups and individuals. These include the Annual Report, the Academy Update leaders’ speech for member groups, as well as presentations and speeches to outside organizations in the U.S. and internationally.
- Produce member resources including videos, a Public Relations Handbook, and hot topics on food and nutrition issues. We also produce communications workshops for affiliates, leaders, DPGs and other members.
Academy Advertising and Sponsorship Information
- To work with industry to build awareness of the Academy and its members
- To share science-based information, new research and industry trends in food and nutrition with members
- To enable the Academy to reach a wider consumer audience with healthy eating messages
- Academy Guidelines for Corporate Sponsors
- Guiding Principles of the Academy's Corporate Sponsorship Program
- Truth and Transparency - Facts about Corporate Sponsorship
Student Advisory Committee
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics student members are represented by the Student Advisory Committee (SAC), which is elected by Student members and governed by the Academy’s Board or Directors. The committee is comprised of at least eight members, including a Chair, Vice Chair, student representative for the House of Delegates, ACEND student representative and ANDPAC student representative. SAC members gain leadership skills that they can use throughout their career and potentially in the Academy’s district, affiliate and national levels. The Academy’s student membership efforts will:
- Strengthen the Academy through increased Student membership and diversity
- Educate and foster communication among Academy Active members and leaders and Academy Student members and non-members
- Enhance leadership opportunities for Student members
- Support the Academy’s strategic initiatives that promote optimal nutrition, health and well being of the public
Download more information.
Affiliate Involvement with Public Policy and Advocacy
Academy affiliates have responsibilities to address these and other public policy interests through the proactive involvement in local, state and federal grassroots advocacy efforts. The Public Policy Panel was established to use our grassroots to effect positive policy change for our profession. One of the most powerful advocacy asset of a member-based organization is its potential for grassroots advocacy. The Public Policy Panel allows for each affiliate to be a voice on policy at the local, state and federal level.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Political Action Committee (ANDPAC)
The ANDPAC helps Academy members attend local fundraisers for members of Congress. One of the Academy’s priorities is to make grassroots, advocacy and ANDPAC activities more integrated. Sponsoring Academy members to attend local fundraisers is part of that process. Academy member attendance at locally held fundraisers helps the Academy’s advocacy efforts.
Download more information.
Nutrition Care Process
- Nutrition Assessment: The RDN collects and documents information such as food or nutrition-related history; biochemical data, medical tests and procedures; anthropometric measurements, nutrition-focused physical findings and client history.
- Diagnosis: Data collected during the nutrition assessment guides the RDN in selection of the appropriate nutrition diagnosis (i.e., naming the specific problem).
- Intervention: The RDN then selects the nutrition intervention that will be directed to the root cause (or etiology) of the nutrition problem and aimed at alleviating the signs and symptoms of the diagnosis.
- Monitoring/Evaluation: The final step of the process is monitoring and evaluation, which the RDN uses to determine if the patient/client has achieved, or is making progress toward, the planned goals.
Using the NCP does not mean that all patients get the same care. Use of a care process provides a framework for the RDN to individualize care, taking into account the patient’s needs and values and using the best evidence available to make decisions. Other disciplines in healthcare, including nursing, physical therapy and occupational therapy have adopted care processes specific to their discipline. In 2003, the Academy's House of Delegates adopted the NCP to provide RDNs with a framework for critical thinking and decision-making — leading to more efficient and effective care and greater recognition of the role of RDNs in all care settings.
The Academy’s Nutrition Care Process and Terminology (NCPT) Committee has developed terminology for the RDN’s use in documenting patient care. Terminology was developed for each step of the nutrition care process and is provided a subscription format at http://ncpt.webauthor.com. The home page provides access to a variety of free information including the NCP tutorials that can be accessed under the resources tab. The yellow button on the home page links to a description of each subscription type and is where all subscriptions can be purchased using a credit card.
Download more information.
Nutrition Focused Physical Exam Workshop
Research shows that nutrition intervention of a patient with, or at risk for, malnutrition can decrease length of hospital stay, falls, pressure ulcers, infections, complications, re-admissions, and overall health care costs. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) can perform a nutrition focused physical exam (NFPE) to more accurately provide individuals with a nutrition diagnosis of malnutrition. While the NFPE is only one component of the nutrition assessment, it can provide necessary supportive data to identify and nutrition diagnose the patient with, or at risk for, malnutrition.
The Academy offers a hands-on training workshop designed to provide the RDN with the skills to perform an NFPE; empowering the RDN to accurately identify and nutrition diagnosis patients with malnutrition. Workshops are available across the country with the focus on the adult or pediatric population.
Visit the NFPE website or download more information.
Nutrition Services Coverage Resources
The Nutrition Services Coverage team provides resources on navigating the world of health care payment. Through toolkits, webinars and the MNT Provider newsletter resources are available.
Looking For Speakers For Your Affiliate or DPG Meeting?
The Nutrition Services Payment Committee (NSPC) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has a number of presentations on these subjects, including:
- Alphabet Soup: Understanding the Use of Coding/Billing Terminology – Learn the basics of billing and coding for nutrition services.
- Credentialing – Learn how to expand your payer base by contracting with private insurance companies.
- Hit the MNT Jackpot – Learn how to expand your practice and reimbursement in either an outpatient hospital or private practice setting.
- Data and Dollars – Learn how to measure and use outcome data to enhance RDN value and payment.
- The Nuts and Bolts of Becoming a Medicare Provider – Learn how to seize the business opportunity provided by this rapidly expanding market.
- Value-based Reimbursement: New Game, New Rules – Healthcare delivery and payment systems are changing, requiring changes in the registered dietitian nutritionist’s approach to advocating for the recognition of nutrition services. Learn about new opportunities to get paid for your services in both the public and private market.
Malnutrition Assessment in Action
The Nutrition Services Payment Committee, using members of its adult and pediatric malnutrition workgroups, offers the following presentations designed to help you increase your skills, value and visibility and potentially enhance facility reimbursement:
- Pediatric Malnutrition: A Standardized Approach to the Recognition and Documentation of Pediatric Malnutrition
- The Skeleton’s Out: A Standardized Approach to the Recognition and Documentation of Adult Malnutrition
The Benefits of Using NSPC Speakers:
- Seasoned speakers who know the subject based on their professional experience
- Cutting-edge information that is updated continually
- Nutrition Services Payment Committee pays for speaker’s travel
- Affiliate or DPG pays ONLY for speaker’s hotel, meals and honorarium