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Greetings!
After a spring where we saw repressive dietitian licensure laws springing up around the country some good things are happening in Michigan! When he took office, Gov. Snyder created the Office of Regulatory Reinvention (ORR), whose job it is to review all current and pending regulations and to get rid of those that are burdensome, unnecessary, and impede economic growth in MI. There is no doubt in our minds that PA333 fits squarely in that category.
We had a very productive meeting with representatives from ORR, after we sent them copies of our white paper, which extensively analyzes the health and economic impact of implementing this law. We know they will also meet with representative from MI Dietetic Association as well, but we are confident we presented the strongest case possible for rejecting this law. This summer ORR is convening an advisory panel to review the necessity of each health occupational board, of which the Dietetics Licensure Board is one. MNA will see to it that our views are represented on that advisory board. This administration has made it clear that they don't favor regulations whose primary purpose is to foster and protect monopolies.
In the meantime, the rules that were undergoing administrative review (prior to setting a public hearing) are in suspension while that process takes place; the process will likely take the rest of this year. This is great news for us, and for the citizens of MI. Additionally, this summer Governor Snyder reiterated his commitment to focus on prevention and wellness as the correct path to reduce health care, and health insurance costs. He is the only Republican governor that has NOT signed on to repeal Obama's Affordable Care Act. We know that cutting out valuable nutrition care providers be they health coaches, nutrition consultant, RD's, nutritionists, etc., is not the way to achieve those goals and MNA will continue to make that case to this administration.
Now is the time your voice really matters to help defeat this law. Please read below and take action! We also really would appreciate folks forwarding this newsletter on. WE CAN WIN!!
Wishing you a healthy summer,
Judy Stone CN, MSW,
Executive Director, Michigan Nutrition Association
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Send Your Comments to Lansing!
The Office of Regulatory Reinvention has been set up to review all existing regulations in order to identify those that are unnecessary, burdensome, and counterproductive to promoting economic growth. They are soliciting comments from citizens like YOU. We know they are looking closely at PA333, the Dietetics/Nutrition Licensure Law, and public comment will play a significant role in it's future. Your voice really matters here, so please take 5 minutes and put your opinions in writing. Comment on the Dietetics/Nutritionist Licensure Law Note: The form asks for "Applicable rule or rule set; fill in "PA333 Dietetics Licensure Law"
If you can tie in your personal or opinions story about nutrition to any of these themes it will send a powerful message.
- This regulation will put many hundreds of people out of work and make MIchigan hostile to those considering nutrition-related businesses.
- Michigan needs more, not fewer nutrition care providers of varying backgrounds to implement stronger preventive health programs and reduce the costly burden of chronic disease to our state. This law reduces those resources.
- Dietitians are employed primarily in hospitals, nursing homes and government programs and this law disproportionately affects the employment of those non-dietitian nutritionists who are entrepreneurs serving the community at large.
- Citizens who are better educated about nutrition support other related businesses such as small farms, farmer's markets, artisan food makers, health food stores and food businesses, nutraceutical manufacturers. We need a business climate that promotes diverse entrepreneurship and strengthens our agricultural base.
- Americans currently have free access to an unlimited amount of nutrition and supplement information in any number of forms. Consumers are protected by consumer protection and malpractice laws and should have the right to make their own decisions about the kind of practitioner they choose to see without government interference. People are harmed by bad nutrition not by learning how to eat well.
- Health Care spending is a big part of our nation's current debt crisis; we need to focus on job creation is a sector that can really lower long-term spending on health care.
Again, where the form asks for applicable rule or rule set type in "PA333" or Dietetics Licensure Law
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SPREAD THE WORD!
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Though our newsletters are infrequent, we are blogging on our website and posting on Facebook.
Please become a fan and stay connected!
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MNA Shout Outs | 
Newton Reappointed to Dietetics Licensing Board
Coco Newton, RD, CCN, MPH has been reappointed to the Dietetics Licensing board we are pleased to report. Coco has been a major advocate for inclusiveness and diversity in the nutrition field in MI despite consistently being a minority voice and often a "punching bag" for a board dominated by RD's seeking to protect turf. We are grateful for, and appreciate her service.
MNA Thanks Mowafy for Service on Dietetics Board.
MNA wants to recognize and thank Mohey Mowafy, PhD, RD, CNS, CEDS, another advocate for a fair and transparent approach to nutrition. Mohey served 4 years on the licensing board from its inception in 2006, and provided a much needed feisty push-back to a board that was wedded to an "RD's are the only qualified practitioners" point of view. Thank you Mohey for your commitment and service, and MNA wishes you all the best in future endeavors.
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